• Commends Education, Skills Development, Prompt Stipends and Peacebuilding Initiatives

By Divine Perezide

Renowned Niger Delta advocate, Comrade Ozobo Austin, has praised the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, for what he described as a transformative approach to youth development through sustained investment in education, vocational training, leadership development and peacebuilding across the Niger Delta.

Speaking after the successful conclusion of the sixth batch of the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s Leadership and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Capacity-Building Workshop in Abuja, Ozobo said the programme under Otuaro has continued to create opportunities that are empowering beneficiaries to become responsible and productive contributors to society.

According to him, the PAP’s continued sponsorship of local and international scholarship programmes, vocational skills acquisition initiatives and leadership training demonstrates a strong commitment to developing competent human capital capable of driving the long-term growth and stability of the region.

Ozobo also applauded the Administrator for ensuring the consistent payment of monthly stipends to beneficiaries, noting that the timely disbursement has strengthened confidence in the programme, reduced anxiety among beneficiaries and contributed to sustaining peace within the Niger Delta.

He stated that the combination of educational support, technical training and leadership development reflects a strategic effort to equip young people with the knowledge and practical skills required to build better livelihoods while reducing dependence on militancy and conflict.

The activist further urged political leaders, traditional institutions, community stakeholders, women and youth groups across the Niger Delta to continue supporting the ongoing reforms within the Presidential Amnesty Programme, stressing that collective support would enhance the programme’s capacity to deliver lasting peace, security and socio-economic development.

Ozobo expressed optimism that, with sustained commitment and stakeholder collaboration, Chief Dennis Otuaro’s leadership would continue to strengthen the gains of the Amnesty Programme by nurturing a new generation of educated, skilled and responsible leaders who will shape the future of the Niger Delta.

By Favour Bibaikefie

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for young people in the Niger Delta through the programme’s scholarship scheme as part of efforts to strengthen human capital development in the region.

Dr. Otuaro made the remarks in Abuja while receiving a delegation from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), United Kingdom, led by its Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Nana Adom. Other members of the delegation included Senior Admissions Manager, Eve Flower, and Country Manager for Nigeria, Linda Ayodele.

The visit was aimed at exploring ways to deepen the long-standing partnership between the university and the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Otuaro said President Tinubu’s administration remained fully committed to investing in the education of Niger Delta youths under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unwaveringly committed to supporting the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and he believes strongly that education is one of the best things for our youths in the Niger Delta.”

He added:

“This is because President Tinubu is concerned about the need to bridge the human capital development gap in the region, and he is irrevocably committed to it. The value of this educational investment will be great.”

The PAP Administrator disclosed that the programme has continued to record impressive academic achievements among its scholarship beneficiaries, noting that more than 50 students graduated with First Class honours, while about 40 others earned Second Class Upper Division in recent academic sessions.

He further revealed that about 9,000 beneficiaries have been deployed to institutions within Nigeria, while 273 students are studying in universities across the United Kingdom, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of the Niger Delta.

According to him, the scholarship programme is equipping beneficiaries with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to national development and help build a more peaceful and productive society.

Dr. Otuaro also commended Anglia Ruskin University for its continued collaboration with the Presidential Amnesty Programme, describing the partnership as productive and beneficial to the educational aspirations of Niger Delta youths.

The university currently has 69 PAP alumni, while 28 scholarship beneficiaries are presently enrolled in various academic programmes. He disclosed that 36 students were deployed to the institution under his administration, with two expected to graduate in September 2026, four in January 2027, and eighteen in May 2027.

Earlier, the leader of the university delegation, Dr. Nana Adom, said the visit was intended to strengthen the relationship between ARU and the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

He expressed appreciation for the partnership and praised the academic performance of PAP-sponsored students, describing feedback from the university’s faculties as highly encouraging.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme has continued to expand its scholarship initiative as part of broader efforts to promote education, capacity building and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.

By Favour Bibaikefie

Delta State-born Environmental and peace advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has raised the alarm over what he described as an impending environmental disaster in Delta State, urging Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to take immediate and proactive measures to safeguard communities, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure from the growing effects of environmental degradation.

Mulade expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of dredging activities across different parts of the state, alleging that many of the operations are being carried out without adequate consideration for their long-term environmental consequences.

According to him, several dredging sites are located dangerously close to major highways, roads and bridges, creating fears that continuous excavation could weaken the soil structure supporting critical infrastructure and expose communities to avoidable disasters.

He noted that while dredging remains an important economic activity, operators must strictly comply with environmental regulations and internationally accepted best practices to ensure that development does not come at the expense of public safety.

“The state cannot continue to overlook the environmental implications of indiscriminate dredging. Roads and bridges are strategic assets that serve millions of people daily. If the integrity of these structures is compromised, the consequences could be catastrophic,” he said.

Mulade therefore called on the Delta State Government, particularly the Ministry of Environment and other relevant regulatory agencies, to immediately intensify environmental monitoring and enforcement across all dredging locations in the state.

He stressed that climate resilience policies should no longer remain theoretical discussions but must be translated into practical actions capable of protecting vulnerable communities from flooding, erosion, land degradation and infrastructure failure.

According to him, climate change has continued to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding across many parts of Delta State, making it imperative for government to adopt a comprehensive climate resilience strategy that prioritises prevention over emergency response.

Mulade further urged the state government to immediately embark on comprehensive environmental and engineering risk assessment analyses around existing and proposed dredging sites to determine their potential impact on roads, bridges, waterways and surrounding communities.

He explained that periodic geotechnical investigations and environmental impact evaluations would enable government to identify vulnerable locations before they develop into major disasters.

“The cost of prevention is always far lower than the cost of reconstruction if infrastructure collapses. Government must act before lives and properties are endangered,” he stated.

The environmental advocate also recommended the establishment of community-based flood volunteer networks across the state, noting that, local residents are often the first to observe changes in water levels, erosion patterns and blocked drainage channels.

According to him, empowering trained community flood volunteers would strengthen early warning systems, improve emergency response and enhance collaboration between government agencies and local communities during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.

Mulade equally challenged the state government to redirect greater attention towards the construction and maintenance of efficient drainage systems capable of effectively managing stormwater in both urban and rural communities.

He argued that sustainable flood management should focus on physical infrastructure and scientific environmental planning rather than what he described as politically motivated patronage disguised as climate-related interventions.

“Government should invest more in functional drainage networks, proper water channels and sustainable flood control infrastructure instead of politically patronising climate flood negotiators whose activities do little to address the root causes of environmental challenges,” he said.

He further appealed to relevant ministries, environmental agencies, local government councils and traditional institutions to work together in promoting environmental sustainability through stricter regulation of dredging activities, public awareness campaigns and continuous monitoring of environmentally sensitive areas.

Mulade cautioned that failure to act promptly could expose many communities to severe flooding, erosion, infrastructure failures and avoidable economic losses.

He maintained that Delta State possesses enormous natural resources that could be responsibly harnessed without compromising environmental sustainability, urging government to place greater emphasis on preventive environmental governance.

The environmental advocate expressed optimism that with decisive leadership, effective regulation and active community participation, Delta State could successfully mitigate emerging environmental threats while ensuring sustainable development for present and future generations.