…Passes Vote Of Confidence On Otuaru, Tompolo

The National Leadership of the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard, the umbrella body of committed All Progressives Congress (APC) youths across the nine Niger Delta states comprising ex-agitators, party stakeholders, and human rights activists, have condemned in totality, the false allegations and cheap blackmail targeted against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaru.

The group made its position known during an emergency press conference held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to address what it described as “an unfortunate wave of fabricated stories and politically motivated blackmail being circulated by a few disgruntled individuals uncomfortable with the transparent and excellent work being done by Dr. Otuaru in the Amnesty Office.

According to the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard, in a statement read to newsmen and signed by the President/ National Coordinator, Snr. Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder And National Secetary, Dr. AK Peters, totally condemn, in strong terms, these baseless and malicious allegations sponsored by misguided, unpatriotic, and disgruntled elements, whom are best described as idols of underdevelopment in the region.

According to the group, these agents of distraction have chosen the path of falsehood and blackmail rather than contributing to peace and progress, simply because they cannot withstand the visible transformation and transparency that Chief Dr. Otuaro has brought to the Presidential Amnesty Programme in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The group stated that “Since assuming office, Chief Dr. Otuaru has demonstrated visionary, pragmatic, foresighted, and transparent leadership that has repositioned and transformed the Presidential Amnesty Programme from a transactional initiative benefitting a few individuals into a credible, people-oriented, and transparent human-capital development platform.”

“Under his administration, the PAP has: Implemented large-scale vocational and technical training programmes for ex-agitators, Niger Delta youths, and women both within Nigeria and in reputable international institutions in the United Kingdom and other countries, in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope mantra.Expanded educational scholarship opportunities, professional certification, maritime, and seafaring training to global standards for human capacity building.”

” He Promoted a culture of accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and open-door governance, engaging critical stakeholders, traditional rulers, and youth leaders across the region and Aligned the Amnesty Programme with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, transforming Niger Delta youths from agitation to productivity, and from restiveness to responsible nation-building.”

“Through his dynamic and people-oriented leadership, the Amnesty Programme has become a cornerstone of sustainable peace, socio-economic growth, and development in the Niger Delta.”

The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard also commended High Chief Tompolo for his patriotic commitment to safeguarding national assets and securing Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.

According to the group, ” Tompolo, through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Tompolo has played a key role in boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production, which has risen from under 900,000 barrels per day to nearly 2 million barrels per day. His collaboration with security agencies has ensured relative peace, protection of vital infrastructure, and restoration of confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas operations.”

The group noted that together, Dr. Otuaru and Government Ekpemupolo represent a new era of responsible leadership, partnership, and patriotism in the Niger Delta, in perfect alignment with President Tinubu’s vision of national unity, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

The group however warned against Political Sabotage and Blackmail, warning those circulating fabricated allegations and malicious propaganda against these respected sons of the Niger Delta to desist immediately.

The group described such campaigns of deceit and character assassination as not only counterproductive but also as direct attacks on the peace, stability, and economic progress currently being enjoyed under President Tinubu’s leadership.

The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard declared that it will no longer tolerate any form of cheap blackmail or unfounded allegations orchestrated by known enemies of peace and development in the region. Should these unpatriotic actors persist, the group said it would have no choice but to declare them “enemies of peace and economic stability” in the Niger Delta.

The group however declared that in view of Chief Dr. Otuaru’s unprecedented achievements, transparent governance, and loyalty to the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leadership of the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard hereby passes a resounding Vote of Confidence on Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaru, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The group also recognizes and appreciates High Chief Tompolo for his outstanding contributions to peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta region.

“The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty, full support, and total commitment to the visionary leadership of Dr. Otuaru, and to the Renewed Hope Administration of President Tinubu.”

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has urged the traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region to step up their collaboration and support to the Commission in ensuring the sustainable development of the region.

Speaking during the Annual Strategic Consultative Feedback Forum for Traditional Rulers in the Niger Delta Region, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the guidance and support of the traditional rulers were critical to sustainable development.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Governance, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, described the traditional rulers as “essential partners” in the development process.

He declared, “You are our essential partners in the quest for sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region. This forum is designed to gather valuable feedback from our traditional institutions, enabling us to understand your communities’ needs and priorities, first-hand.

Through this interactive dialogue, we aim to compile community-based needs assessments, pinpoint critical areas for intervention, and enhance our collaboration in fostering inclusive, people-centred development.”

“We understand that we can’t truly develop the Niger Delta without your guidance, support, and input. You, our esteemed traditional rulers, are the genuine voices of your people and the guardians of their hopes and dreams.”

“We genuinely believe that this ongoing collaboration will yield more meaningful outcomes and help us achieve our overarching goals of sustainable development, peace, and prosperity for the region.

He observed: “The traditional institution remains the closest to the people. The institution is trusted, respected, and uniquely positioned to mediate, guide, and reconcile the controversies we experience among ourselves. Today, more than ever, your role is essential in bridging.

“We must therefore strengthen our local conflict resolution mechanisms; reviving traditional councils, promoting inclusive dialogue that engages men, women, and youth, and ensuring that grievances are addressed swiftly and fairly. Let us also encourage collaboration between traditional institutions and government agencies, civil society, and security forces, built on mutual respect and shared purpose.”

“The future of the Niger Delta depends on the peace of its communities. Development cannot thrive amid division. Let this forum renew our collective will to pursue peace, not as a temporary truce, but as a culture and way of life.”

Delivering his address, the National Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, and Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Felix Mujakperuo, the Orodje of Okpe described peace as a pre-requisite for development.
The TROMPCON Chairman, represented by the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, and the First Vice Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, King Pere Luke Kalanama remarked that peace-building was necessary for sustainable development.

Furthermore, he stated that traditional rulers in contiguous kingdoms should be constituted into conflict management committees for conflict resolution, remarking that conflict resolution is necessary for conflict management.
Speaking on how the Commission could benefit rural communities, the Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum and the monarch of Emohua, King Sergeant Awuse, argued that one cannot offer feedback on any programme unless he was carried along from the inception.

Decrying a situation in which traditional rulers are not part of project conception, formulation, and execution, he further remarked that this remains inimical to effective project delivery and, by extension, to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta Region.

In his own remarks, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, described peace as the main prerequisite for development. While laying credence to views canvassed by previous speakers, King Spiff said that traditional rulers should be given their pride of place in the Nigerian Constitution.

He likened today’s traditional rulers to school children whose names do not appear in the school register, wondering why the Nigerian Constitution denied them the roles hitherto assigned to them in previous constitutions.

“Development, he said, ‘should be technically driven as is the practice in Britain and other Western nations.” He stated that the Niger Delta could be turned into an industrial hub with various areas of specialisation, including the marine industry, construction, agriculture, and fisheries.

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

One of the beneficiaries of the 18th batch of Rep. Unyime Idem’s foreign skills and human capital development programme, Peter Saturday Peter, has described the federal lawmaker as a “trademark of effective representation and human capital developer,” following his sponsorship of four Akwa Ibom youths to the People’s Republic of China for advanced training in Eco-Leather Technology and Digital Security.

Rep. Idem, who represents Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Public Procurement, sponsored Peter Saturday Peter, Ndifreke Sunday Otu, Anietie Mark Etuk, and Emmanson Aniekan Eno on the all-expense-paid training as part of his commitment to empowering 100 Akwa Ibom youths with globally competitive skills.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries at a send-off ceremony at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja hosted by the Federal Lawmaker, Peter Saturday expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the training modules are rich, transformative, and aligned with emerging global technologies. He added that the exposure will enhance their effectiveness and broaden their capacity to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation.

He praised Rep. Idem for his impactful representation, citing his strong legislative performance, diligent oversight duties, and exceptional record in human capital development. He further appreciated the lawmaker for selecting and sponsoring the beneficiaries for the China programme.

Peter Saturday who is a media/public relations practitioner and crusader of good governance for public good concluded by thanking God for the opportunity and reaffirmed his support for Rep. Unyime Idem, whom he described as a true symbol of effective and people-centered leadership.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has presented award letters to 600 successful candidates for its 2025/2026 Local Post Graduate Scholarship Programme.

Presenting the scholarship letters to the successful candidates during the award ceremony in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the scholarship programme was an initiative designed to enhance human capital development in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku, who was supported by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; the Representative of Bayelsa State on the NDDC Board, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa , and other Directors of the Commission, urged the awardees to be good ambassadors of the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer described the scholarship scheme as an essential component of the NDDC’s human capital development programme, noting that education was the most powerful weapon for changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.

He observed that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme set enviable standards for subsequent groups, stating: “It is remarkable that 32 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University this year.”

Ogbuku advised the NDDC scholars to avoid distractions to excel in their studies, reminding them that they owed the Niger Delta a duty to succeed.

He declared: “You are the torchbearers of transformation. Your education is not just for you but for the millions who look up to you for hope. As you pursue your postgraduate studies, remember that every lecture you attend, every paper you write, and every solution you provide is a step towards transforming our communities.”

In his remarks, the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr George Uzowanne, disclosed that out of 46,240 applicants, only 600 were selected through a transparent electronic examination process. He said, “I congratulate the successful candidates who applied and went through a seamless selection process.”

Uzonwanne, stated that the process of selecting the candidates was transparent, noting that competition for the Scholarship programme was intense and fair.

He Stated: “Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.”

The NDDC Director of Education, Dr Angela Chukwudifu, observed that the new scholarship programme emphasised on local education to ensure that beneficiaries remained connected to the Niger Delta’s challenges and opportunities, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

She stated: “Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.”

The best performing scholarship candidate, Mr. Reginald Omubo-Pepple, thanked the NDDC for giving them the opportunity to enhance their education. He pledged that the beneficiaries would do their best to be good ambassadors for the region and subsequently contribute to the development of the Niger Delta.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has handed over a fully furnished 10-room Corps Members’ Lodge to the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Ammasoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Speaking during the commissioning and handover ceremony, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the project as part of the Commission’s corporate social responsibility.

A statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC, Director, Corporate Affairs noted that Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Bayelsa Director, Engr. Godknows Alamieyeseigha, explained that the project was aimed at providing decent accommodation for corps members to enhance their effective service delivery to host communities.

He stated that similar projects will also be replicated in other communities across the state and appealed to the corps members to continue being law-abiding citizens and ensure that the lodge was well-maintained.

The State Coordinator of the NYSC in Bayelsa State, Mrs. Obiageli Okpalifo, appreciated the NDDC for constructing a lodge for corps members in the community and appealed for the construction of a solar-powered water borehole at the NYSC Orientation Camp, as well as the provision of security at the corps members’ lodge.

Okpalifo, who led the NYSC management team and Corps Members to witness the commissioning and handover ceremony, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for embarking on such a landmark project. She noted that the lodge would motivate Corps Members to deliver improved service to their host communities.

The State Coordinator also conveyed the appreciation of the NYSC Director, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, to the NDDC management and assured them that the facility would be properly maintained.

She thanked the host community for providing a peaceful environment for the project, while urging the traditional ruler, the youth leaders, and the Police to ensure maximum security for both the lodge and the corps members.

In his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Ammasoma Kingdom, Chief Akedesuo Goodwill, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for completing the project and appealed to the corps members to ensure the facilities were well-maintained.