By Favour Bibaikefie

The National Chairman of Phase 3 of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Gen. Godstime Ogidigba, popularly known as Gen. Ogidigba, has called on media organisations, community leaders and critical stakeholders across the Niger Delta to intensify support for the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, by giving wider publicity to the programme’s achievements and developmental initiatives.

Gen. Ogidigba made the call while commending the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), under the leadership of Comrade Austin Ozobo, for what he described as a sustained effort to project the accomplishments of the Otuaro-led administration through factual and balanced reporting.

According to him, the media advocacy undertaken by the forum has played a significant role in correcting public misconceptions about the Presidential Amnesty Programme and countering what he described as deliberate attempts by critics to spread misinformation, propaganda and false narratives aimed at discrediting the current administration.

He noted that the forum’s commitment to highlighting the programme’s successes has provided the public with a clearer understanding of the reforms and developmental initiatives being implemented under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership.

Gen. Ogidigba urged other media houses, opinion leaders and stakeholders in the region to emulate the example set by Comrade Austin Ozobo and the Ijaw Publishers Forum by supporting efforts that promote peace, development and the positive transformation taking place within the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

He further stressed the importance of unity among the Ijaw people, saying collective support for credible leadership remains vital to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.

According to him, “the time has come for Ijaw people to unite in supporting and promoting their own,” stressing that collective unity and cooperation remain essential to the progress and development of the Niger Delta.

He emphasized that, “United we stand, divided we fall.”

Gen. Ogidigba expressed optimism that greater collaboration among media practitioners, traditional leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders would further strengthen ongoing efforts to consolidate peace, stability and socio-economic development across the region.

• 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.