Amnesty: Otuaro lnterfaces with Phase Two Generals, Assures Delegates of Better Packages

Amnesty: Otuaro lnterfaces with Phase Two Generals, Assures Delegates of Better Packages

Francis Tayor

Warri ______ ln his bid to revive the Amnesty Programme to its establishment ideal so as to benefit the authentic beneficiaries that were shortchanged in the programme over the years, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Administrator Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Burutu Otuaro on Saturday met with the leaders of Phase Two ex-agitators of Niger Delta in warri in order to seek their consents to move the programme to an enviable height.

The phase two camp leaders in their numbers where so happy to interact with the son of the struggle as they promised not to protest neither make unguided publications against the new Administrator's office because he is one of them who knows their pains and can fixed the programme to its ideal purpose of establishment.

Speaking further, the Special Adviser, Dennis Otuaro noted that there are many people that is affected indirectly by the struggle, such as impacted communities as a result of military bombardment, oil exploitation activities. He said the essence of the programme is for human capital development and not just the monthly stipend of 65, 000. We have old people among us and those that cannot go to school, they need empowerment.

According to Otuaro, said:

" Those that have not go for training, l want to make sure they go for training and given empowerment after training.

" We must deepen the programme this time around to accommodate more people, especially critical stakeholders who have not benefited from the program to be part of it."

" Mr. President is very serious to sustain the existing peace in the Niger Delta, hence he is doing everything possible to attend to our desires.

"Let's us discuss and profer solution to our immediate challenges. Am here to serve and protect your interest and not myself. Everybody feel cheated in the programme, am appealing let's put ourselves together for the betterment of the programme. There is no problem shared here if we have understanding that cannot be resolved.

"The Amnesty program is our mandate and it is left for us to use it well in a matured and peaceful manner. I want to try my best to ensure that the program accommodate more key critical stakeholders such as impacted communities in the Niger Delta. My appeal is your support and cooperation so as to enable us actualize our dream, Otuaro stated."

Responding during the interactive session,  Gen. Ebena Ruphus Silas noted that most of the beneficiaries complaint of shortchanged of names as well as stoppage of bulk payments for them to manage their camp boys.

Gen. Silas appealed to the Special Adviser on behalf of the phase two generals to reintroduce the bulk payment system and give directive to the camp leaders to settle their boys.

While Gen. Israel Akpodoro, the Mayor of Urhobo Youths worldwide make an appeal to the Special Adviser to review the sixty five thousand naira (65, 000) monthly stipends as well as the grant loan programme and Agriculture in order to enable them takecare of their families in line with the current economic reality in the country.

Featured Article: King Echo Toikumoh, The Orpheus of Niger Delta_By: Tobouke Jemine

Featured Article: King Echo Toikumoh, The Orpheus of Niger Delta_By: Tobouke Jemine

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything -- Plato

Many years ago, it pleased the Divine Realm of Music to grant the ears of the earth a musical maestro through the connubial union of Pa Ayemaye Kokoroko and Ma Peretorou Toikumoh in the traditional headquarters of Arogbo Ibe. It was a joyous day in heaven as it was in the realm of man when the music legend, High Chief Echo Oyerigha Toikumoh was born in 1943.

He grew up to realize that his mouth was not just for talking and eating. Much more than these functions, he discovered that he could sing. He sang and saw that his voice arrested the attention of the young and the old in his neighbourhood. Music may not mean career to him then, but it sure meant self-fulfilment and entertainment to him.

At the age of twelve, this prodigy sculptured 'Molo', a traditional guitar by himself, and with it he fed the listening organs of his audience. 

While he took singing serious, he was also serious with his education. Either he knew or must have been told that, talent and gifting alone does not make success out of a man; some other forces -- celestial or terrestrial -- must be invoked and involved for talent to be united with the light of success and self-actualization. Hence, he sought to furnish, polish and fortify his musical journey with the force of education. Unfortunately, while he was in primary five at St. John F.A.C.Mission Primary School, Arogbo (1961 -1966), his father died.

The eternal crossing of Pa Ayemaye Kokoroko Toikumoh to the other shore quenched the academic lantern of the young Echo. He was left with his music muse and a determination to make success out of his life.He laboured for financial security through the cutting of economic woods and sale of medicine . From the proceeds of this physical toils he bought musical instruments and founded "Echo and the International Brothers Band of Arogbo" in 1973, but he later changed the name of this band to "Echo and Arogbo Fishers Brothers".

With Highlife masters like Cardinal Rex Lawson as his role models and music producers like Mr Yeke Doumini Ojujoh, Chief Echo released his debut album "Wona Douhaye" in 1974. Other albums include  "Akinabibi Kuroemi" (2004) and "Respect Yourself", which was posthumously released.

According to Eji Oyewole, "We used Highlife to address sociatal ills in the country. Even at that time, we had politicians who were not committed to the masses, so we used Highlife to prick their consciences. It was also used for so many things, in so many events such as funerals, but it was used to address social issues." Chief Echo did not saunter away from the noble path of his musical forbears. He likewise sang against vices and promoted virtues for human betterment.

This great doyen of music left us without a gigantic body of life-changing songs. The messages are evergreen.

In "Earlier the Better", taught youths the profound significance of rising early in life preparation for a better future. 

In "Money Matter", Chief Echo re-affirmed the biblical fact that the love of money is the root of evil. 

In "Money Nor Dey", he communicates how the lack of money destabilizes the joy and peace of the home.

In "Dance to Night", he gave beat to our feet and backsides to dance off the distress, despairs and agonies of life. 

In "Ini Mo Were", he teaches us to keep to the hope and beauty of patience and endurance, assuring us that in the right time things will fall into place.

In "Superior Senior Apostle I. O. Jemine", he reveals to us that divinity has hand in the success and prosperity of man.

In "Akinabibi Kuroemi" he sings of how hard it is to keep the sacred virtues of love, purity, faith, obedience and the rest in a world full of evil.

In "Akpo Ni Woboye", he questions the causes of the harsh realities of life, and pleads with God to answer the cries of mankind.

In "Douye", he reasons, empathizes and prays for those whose earthly toils have not yielded the desired good results.

In "Wari Ebi", he sings of the importance of having someone of worth in one's family, and the demerits of having no such one.

In "Ariwei", Echo promotes meekness, forgiveness, magnanimity and stoicism, teaching us to overlook offences and provocations, and at the same time warning liers and rumour-mongers to desist from morally wrong habits.

He sang more than three hundred songs; unfortunately, we cannot do justice to all of them in this piece. But they are all instructive, inspiring and morally enlivening songs.

He was a devoted Catholic, and the fear God and the love of the ways of God was heard and felt in his music.

Truly, king Echo sang with a deep concern to reform and transform society. His musical gospel reminds society, and especially his fans, those virtues that are worth embracing, those visions that are worth pursuing, and those causes that are worth fighting.

There is no Echo song without a useful message for humanity. 

Chief Echo fulfilled his musical calling. His legendary musical career was honoured with "The King of Highlife" music in Warri, Delta State in 1995. Pere DME Eperetun, the Agadagba of Arogbo-Ijaw kingdom also honoured his musical contributions to society with the chieftaincy title, "The Ibeimelemowei of Arogbo Ibe". His songs are today played in distant lands, and his most popular song "Earlier the Better" is a darling song of Independent Radio Station, Benin City.

A day after the royal departure of the Agadagba of Arogbo Kingdom, Pere DME Eperetun -- on the very date he was born, the great Orpheus -- King Echo Toikumoh peacefully retired beyond the borders of flesh and blood.

And as I mounted up the hill, the music (of Echo) in my heart I bore,

Long after it was heard no more.--Alfred Edward Houseman.

Ekeremor Council Chairman, Onniye Presents N8.1Billion Budget for 2024 Fiscal Year

Ekeremor Council Chairman, Onniye Presents N8.1Billion Budget for 2024 Fiscal Year

Francis Tayor 

Yenagoa____ The Executive Chairman of Ekeremor LGA Hon. Onniye Isaac Ziminiyain presented the 2024 Budget of N8.1 Billion which he refers to as a budget of Hope to the Local Government Legislative Arm for consideration and passage.

He was accompanied by the Local Government Director of budget, the Head of Local Government Administration, and the Director Administration General Services (DAGS).

In presenting the 2024 Budget of Hope to the Local Government Legislative Council, the Executive Chairman of the Council Hon. Onniye Isaac Ziminiyain gave his remark.

" The Honorable Chairman, I appreciate legislatures for the opportunity granted to my cabinet as I humble myself on this sacred ground to formally present the 2024 appropriation Budget titled Budget of Hope.

" I, Hon. Onniye Isaac Ziminiyain the Executive Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area hereby officially present to this Honourable House the Total Annual Estimate for 2024 financial year as follows.

" (1) Total Revenue: The sum of N8,117,991,510.40

(Eight billion, one hundred and seventy million, nine hundred and ninety-one thousand, five hundred and ten naira, forty kobo only), Total Revenue Estimate, this comprises Statutory Allocation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)

" (2) Recurrent Expenditure: The sum of N4,725,355,047.03 (Four billion, seven hundred and twenty five million, three hundred fifty five thousand, forty seven naira, three kobo only), representing 58% of the Total Revenue Recurrent Expenditure Estimate.

" (3) Capital Expenditure: The sum of N3,392,636,463.37 (Three billion, three hundred and ninety two million, six hundred and thirty six thousand, four hundred and sixty three naira, thirty seven kobo only), representing 42% of the Total Revenue is the Capital Expenditure Estimate in the Fiscal Year.

He concludes his speech as he solicits the support of the Local Government legislative arm hoping for the development of the good people of Ekeremor Local Government Area.

In his words " I therefore solicit your support and commitment hoping for the development and prosperity for the good people of Ekeremor LGA, the budget that activates the activities of good governance that will take proper shape and effectiveness operating on the basis.

The 2024 fiscal budget was formally presented to the Local Government Legislative Leader of the House, Hon. Benni Nanabofa Sylvester, after presenting the budget the Executive Chairman was asked to take a bow and leave.

Thorpe Okokoyoh Henry,

Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Ekeremor Local Government Council.

Breaking: Dr. Dennis Otuaro Promises to Kick Start Education and Vocational Training Programme For Ex-agitators in The Niger Delta

Breaking: Dr. Dennis Otuaro Promises to Kick Start Education and Vocational Training Programme For Ex-agitators in The Niger Delta 

Francis Tayor

Warri ____ Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Administrator Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Burutu Otuaro has assured ex-agitators of the Niger Delta region to commence the education and Vocational Training Programme immediately after the stakeholders meeting.

Dr. Otuaro made the statement on friday during the five days stakeholders meeting between the ex-agitators of the Niger Delta and the Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty at the KFT Event Place, Warri, Delta State.

Participants from first Phase Generals and Camp Leaders far away from Ondo, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta State where in attendance at the stakeholders meeting organized by the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Administrator Presidential Amnesty Programme (OSAPND) ably led by High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro.

This years meeting with the stakeholders of Niger Delta is Theme: Fostering, Consolidating And Collaborating for the Peace, Security, Stability and Development of the Niger Delta.

In his opening speech, the Special Adviser, Dr. Otuaro thanked the first phase generals for their patience with the program in the areas of education and vocational training.

Otuaro noted that he can only succeed in the office if the stakeholders are behind him. He said the program have to be redesign for human capital development and give opportunity for our women to sustain their small scale businesses in their various communities.

He emphasized that he has given greenlight to those studying abroad to be remobilized for their studies after thorough documentation of delegates. 

He noted that there are many genuine complaints at his office of some delegate names being shortchanged, some have trained but not empowered while others have not been trained.

The university program was abruptly stopped and most of our delegates have not go to school. He promised to commence the education program as well as vocational training and empowerment.

Otuaro noted that as a key stakeholders in the Niger Delta, there is  need for this meeting to enable us reason together on how the program would benefit everybody that is captured in the Amnesty Programme.

He concluded by saying the job he is doing today is to serve their interest and not for him to acquire more wealth for himself because he is  already made by the special grace of God, the statement added.

Meanwhile, there was an interactive session where by the ex-agitators shared their pains with the Special Adviser and profer possible solution to benefit the thirty thousand Amnesty delegates captured in the program.

Some of the notable ex-agitators and stakeholders that attended the meeting include; Gen. Pastor Wilson Reuben, Gen. Andabofa Opunama, Gen. Benjamin Ekeremor, Gen. Adowei Binaebi, Chief. Boro Opudu, Chief. Simeon Bebenimibo, Sir. Godfrey Tare Pondi, GM Tantita Security Services, Gen. Henry Benidogha alias Egbema 1, Gen. Aboy Muturu, Gen. Arony Oputu, Gen. Omotonwerigha, Gen. Tallest, Chief. Frank Akiefa, Amb. Princewill Binebai, Spokesman lYC, Comrade Freedom Atigbi, Vice President lYC, Bob Collins Igetei, Speaker lYC Mobile Parliament, Comrade Nicholas lgarama, Chairman lYC Western zone among many others.

PAP: Otuaro to Commence Stakeholders Meeting In Warri June 21

PAP: Otuaro to Commence Stakeholders Meeting In Warri June 21

The administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro has extended an invitation to beneficiaries of phases 1, 2, and 3 to attend a stakeholders meeting in Warri, Delta State. The meeting is scheduled to take place from June 21 to 25, 2024, at KFT Place, Warri, Delta State at 10 am daily.

The meeting aimed to bring together beneficiaries of the amnesty programme to discuss progress, challenges, and future plans. The invitation is seen as a move to engage with stakeholders and ensure their continued support and participation in the programme.

However, Dr. Otuaro's invitation is expected to foster an atmosphere of collaboration and open communication among beneficiaries, paving the way for a productive and successful tenure of office.

KING OPOROMO'S APPOINTMENT: AN EFFORT TO RUBBISH AND DIMINISH HIM AND THE KEREBIRI-MEIN KINGDOM-By: Fun-ororo Narebor

KING OPOROMO'S APPOINTMENT: AN EFFORT TO RUBBISH AND DIMINISH HIM AND THE KEREBIRI-MEIN KINGDOM-By: Fun-ororo Narebor 

The Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri in nominating the traditional ruler of Kerebiri-Mein Kingdom as a commissioner in the nomenclature of Chief Godspower Oporomo is derogatory and a calculated attempt to rubbish and diminish our traditional kingdom and king.

This appointment is not only shameful but also a clear sabotaging of the greater interests of Kerebiri-Mein Kingdom. Would our King now bow before the members of the House of Assembly in the screening? If yes, then the whole Kerebiri-Mein Kingdom would be subjected to the loyalty of members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. What an irony? 

I wish to advise the nominee, HRM Godspower Oporomo, who is well known for his integrity and royal tendencies, to reject and/or recommend a capable person to the Governor for such appointment.

We cannot allow our kingdom to be ridiculed because of a mere commissioner appointment. No sentiment attached. This is my personal opinion though.