Amnesty: Dr. Dennis Otuaro Engages Phase 3 Generals, Calls for Collaboration to Achieve Set Goals

Amnesty: Dr. Dennis Otuaro Engages Phase 3 Generals, Calls for Collaboration to Achieve Set Goals

Francis Tayor

Warri _____ ln continuation of building peace and restructuring the Amnesty programme to achieve its ideal purpose of establishment, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Administrator Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Burutu Otuaro has reaffirmed his commitment to reposition the programme to accommodate more critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta.

Otuaro made the statement on Monday June 24, 2024 in Warri during a stakeholders meeting with 3rd phase generals, stressing that he need the cooperation and support of the ex-agitators to succeed in his administration.

Dr Otuaro noted that his stay in office will pay special attention to impacted community's, especially victims of military bombardment, widows of falling heroes in the struggle, innocent lives that sustained various degree of injury leading to disability in our communities etc.

According to the Special Adviser, said:

" The Amnesty programme is an opportunity for ex-agitators to benefit their family, children and other critical Stakeholders.

" l want us to talk as brothers, am not a stranger in the business. Some of our comrades died in the struggle and we need to carry their families left behind along."

"Some people have been trained but no empowerment after training while others have not go for training at'all. This programme can raise funds to support our wives who are into small scale businesses in the villages.

"We all are victims of the struggle, many of our people were not captured in the time of dropping arms due to fear. I will try my possible best to incorporate those people that have not benefited from the program since 2009.

Am not doing this job to accrue more money for myself but is to see that our people in the villages should have something to benefit from the program. Am going to do better, let's reason together as brothers so that the Amnesty program would be judiciously managed for the interest of our people."

" I want us to sustain the existing peace in the Niger Delta because Mr President, His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very serious about the development of our region", Otuaro asserted.

Reacting to the Special Adviser 's statement, Gen. Godday Smith popularlly known as king of the forest thanked Dr. Otuaro for the stakeholders meeting to enable them share their pains. He congratulated Otuaro for his well deserved appointment and promised that third phase generals are ready to work with him.

While Gen. Ebilo appealed to the Amnesty Administrator to increase the sixty five thousand stipend to match with the present economic reality in the country.

Others complaints of account and BVN problems as well as shortchanged of names of authentic delegates for vocational training and scholarships manipulated by staff in the Amnesty office.

Climax of the interactive session was passing of 'Vote of Confidence ' to the Special Adviser Dr. Dennis Otuaro by the ex-agitators.

Just-ln: Musa Supports Dagidi with Campaign T-shirts, Face-caps Ahead Bomadi LGA Polls

Just-ln: Musa Supports Dagidi with Campaign T-shirts, Face-caps Ahead Bomadi LGA Polls

Warri _____ Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Andaye Dagidi Rawlings has received another round of campaign T-shirts and Face-caps courtesy from one of the chieftain of the umbrella party from Kalafiougbene/Ekamta ward, Mr John Musa in support of his chairmanship ambition.

The items where presented to the Leader of the New Order at his Ughelli residence on Sunday.

Receiving the items, the incoming Chairman Bomadi LGA, Hon. Andaye Dagidi thanked the donor for his show of love to the project, stressing that he will not take the kind gesture for granted.

While appreciating Mr John Musa, Dagidi reaffirmed his readiness to transform Bomadi LGA infrastructurally when elected into office comes 13th July, 2024. He appealed to Bomadians to vote him into power, adding that he will not disappoint them when given the mandate.

Featured Article: The Repercussions of Cigarette Addiction, By Chief Barrister Smooth Extraordinary Talent

Featured Article: The Repercussions of Cigarette Addiction, Chief Barrister Smooth Extraordinary Talent 

Gesikeme Akparakata

I am a fan to good music, a fan to all Ijaw musical artistes. I love all Ijaw artistes, for they are all special and offer different genres of music, gift and talent for our consumption.

Sometimes I can't understand myself, how a man like me with a very bad voice becoming so addicted to Ijaw music to write about their stories as my time permits. But that too is another irony of life, notwithstanding the fact that one may not be a good cook but knows when the food is delicious or not.

Often times many of us do assume and compare the musical talent of King Pereama Freetown to Chief Barrister Smooth or Jking Alfred Izon-ebi. No, that's where we erred. No musician has the same talent with another. Never, and it has not recorded in history. Fortunately the greatest King Dr Robert Ebizimor was not excluded from such only to observe and accorded each musician his own right of honour.

Sometimes one would wonder how lucky we are to be gifted with these great men and few women who came and change our lives and lines of thought. The truth is that, all of them are gifted in a unique way.

In respect to our extraordinary gifted music icon Chief Barrister Smooth with the appellation as King of Highlife; to me his songs are different and truly loaded with different philosophies and high levels of I. Q.

Chief Barrister Smooth can better be described as a musical catalyst who has produced songs of freedom, of love, and most times sing to heal our pains, and for correction of societal ills and norms. 

His music has long been a powerful social catalyst, driving change, unity, and progress across various aspects of society in the Niger Delta and the diaspora. Here are some ways his music has acted as a social catalyst:

 *Social Movements: Chief Barrister Smooth has used his music as a vital part of the Niger Delta struggle. His songs Mubutu and others created a different aspect of the movement for the Ijaws for self actualization. It spurred and inspired us to go for action thereby waking up the sleeping giants of the region . He sings to unite us as one common force bond in destiny.

 *Community Building. His music brings us together as a people, creating a sense of belonging and community, as we listened to "Ama lagha" the need for us to go home and build our communities.

*Emotional Healing: His Music has provided solace and healing in times of crises, and life challenges.

• Love:  His golden track records like Emomotimi and Cynthia were songs out of this world, that could make the most beautiful woman to fall in love with a beast.

*Social Change and awareness campaign:

His music has inspired changes in societal attitudes and norms, contributing to progress in the right direction. His music has played a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and historical events, keeping memories alive. 

Cigarette Smoking and the repercussions 

His recent release "Cigarette" is so educative and worths the listeners attention. It tells a story of  Pamela, the widow who lost her husband and five children to tuberculosis as effect of cigarette smoking and addiction.

The music is so emotional that one would listen to it a thousand times without any form of boredom. It all started with a blind love and innocent youthful choice. Pamela against the warning of her parents went into a marriage that later took her husband and kids, a resultant effect of cigarette smoking by her reckless husband. Life became unsettled. Things fell apart in pieces. But to Chief Barrister Smooth, her regret in life came too late. However according to Pamela, her story should be told to the rest of society that cigarette is dangerous to our human health, even though the smokers can hardly believe the gospel and change their habits and addictions.

Chief Barrister Smooth is truly good and a gift to the Ijaw Nation.

In summary, his music's are powerful and serves as a social catalyst with the ability to inspire, unite, and drive change, making it a vital part of human society and progress.

Gesikeme Akparakata Author and Patriot of the Ijaw Nation.

Featured Article: The Making of King Pereama Freetown JP, Numupere ll of lzon-Ibe

Featured Article: The Making of King Pereama Freetown JP, Numupere ll of lzon-Ibe 

By: Gesikeme Akparakata/Gideon Okorobia

CHILDHOOD

PEREAMA FREETOWN, is the music GRANDMASTER of Ijaw land, a no mean appellation and achievement in the Owigiri Industry. He is indeed the master of the stage. The sedative power of his songs can take even the most reserved person to the dancing field. Aside that, his songs are ladened with proverbs and philosophical aphorisms. Born on the 7th day of November, 1970, the music icon was prepared from childhood to conquer the music forestry as a genius. His father, Freetown Sanuku hails from Kpakiama and Ayamasa, while his mother Wurutuwo-ere Freetown is from Isampou, Azebiri and Eriama communities, all in Ijaw land in Delta and Bayelsa states. In fact no one has a stronger Ijaw afinity than the Grandmaster Pereama Freetown.

MUSIC CAREER

As a child of destiny and purpose, he became aware of his music calling as early as when he was at the age of seven. His first encounter with Robert Ebizimor occurred in 1977 at Obrigbene, where the late music icon had come to play. Then his father, Chief Freetown, being a palm wine tapper was a guest of Mr Yandukeme of Obrigbene. Perhaps, it was his father's dream to make a great musician out of his son, and to realize that vision, he had to make him a wooden toy guitar. And that action completely changed his life. 

From Obrigbene, he moved to Isampou where he had a brief stay with his grandmother Elatimi in 1978, there his music interest was further enhanced in the company of his uncle, Dennis Ayamah. And in the year 1979, he moved to Ayamasa with his father, and there his flair for the guitar was again improved. It was at Ayamasa that he first played the acostic rhythm guitar belonging to Mr. Onuama. Interestingly, there were only three persons in Ayamasa who were privileged to have owned guitars, and they were Sara, Sir Gbese, and lastly Onuama.

His active music career began in 1981 at Ebedebiri when he was officially introduced to Mr Paulin Isampou, popularly known as Melege by Aperemiebi. The man Melege was astonished to see such a young boy who could do wonders with his hands. Of course, his first outing with the band was at Toru-angiama in 1983. Their second outing was originally supposed to be at Oboro, but there was a twist of event. One of the reasons being that, there was a feud between Chief Kanu of Ayamasa and another Chief from Toru-Orua, over who becomes the king of the ancient Tarakiri Kingdom. In the midst of that kingship tussle, Chief Kanu died. And so, when Pereama and the musical team went for Ebibuloukame Moroye who was the bass player from Orua, unfortunately they were denied of gaining access to him. To the people of Orua, the band was going to Ayamasa to play in Chief Kanu's burial, and that was not permissible to them, bearing in mind, the kingship tussle of both communities. But on their way to Oboro, their engine developed some faults beyond their control leaving them stranded, only to be assisted by the boat conveying Chief Kanu's corpse. In that way the band ended up playing at Ayamasa as the people of Orua previously envisaged. But the truth was that they were not originally prepared to go to Ayamasa, and that what happened was simply a detour.

And so in the absence of Ebibuloukaemi, Pereama was given the responsibility of playing the bass. And ever since he remains the champion of the bass.

Contrary to public opinion, Pereama was not under the tutorship of Chief A.S. Eseduwo, but the latter only employed Melege's musical band where young Pereama was a member in 1984 to 1985.

Then in early 1985, the music legend, King Robert Ebizimor heard of Pereama's fame and personally came to Ayamasa to employ him into his band. But then, Pereama was not around. And so shortly afterwards, perhaps a day or two, King Robert again sent an errand through Chief Ogor of Ebedebiri to fetch Pereama to Sagbama, and that was how the young genius became an integral part of King Robert Ebizimor's musical band and career growth.

After a while, Melege, his former boss, also joined Robert Ebizimor to play the solo guitar but only had a short stay. And immediately young Pereama was asked to replace him thereby becoming the master of the solo guitar. Again at Ekowe in 1986 where King Robert Ebizimor had a show to perform but coincidentally, the drummer and the conga player had left for Lagos with Fine Diaware to produce his new song. Once again Pereama was assigned to play the drum while King Ben Pafiye of Ayakoromo took over the conga drums. From that experience Pereama became one of the greatest drummers of our time. 

Furthermore, when Bestman Doupere left King Robert Ebizimor as a backup singer, the lot fell on young talented Pereama again as a suitable replacement. As destiny could have it, he left King Robert Ebizimor peacefully and went solo on February 1994. Historically, the first song he assisted King Robert Ebizimor in the studio to sing was 'Friday' and the last was 'Ofeni ama puke'. 

His first point of call as an independent musician was staged at Otorofani community on the 22nd of April 1994, at Chief PerryRich Kpodor's father's memorial. Since then, Chief Pereama Freetown's musical career has been very eventful and progressive over the years. He has done a well over hundred of songs. His first song titled 'Dennis Ba Yo Kumor' was produced in 1988, and his current song is 'Elaemi Bebe Dimie'.

LEADERSHIP

True leaders are those who produced others to succeed them. Chief Pereama Freetown has made several other musicians in the Izon High- Life Musical Industry. He provide both mentorship and human capacity development to his followers so that they too can become self sufficient. Over time, he had also assisted a great number of musicians in the production of their songs. For instance, he was very instrumental to the production of the first three songs of Chief Barrister S. Smooth. He was also very useful and instructive to the career development of Alfred Ezonebi under Later King Robert Ebizimor in those early days when he first appeared before the maestro at Ogodobiri to play the song 'Duama Bo'. 

As a great musician he is, he equally assisted Bestman Doupere, Teibou Agbeotu, Prof I.K Belemu, Abraham Young, Azene Maika, Dr Mike Marcus, Chairman Allen Otobo, Ebikabowei Koromowere, etc in the production of some of their best songs. Those who were under his direct tutelage are; Kennedy Duduku, Eyeogha Kalu, Ebinimie the great Kelly, Oyas Freetown, Capt Bartholomew, Kingsway Enrigna Baby Tuma, Kingsway David and others, including Commander Tika, whose musical career was greatly influenced by the Grandmaster. Significantly, they too are masters on their on own in the industry today.

BEHOLD THE KING

The crowning of Pereama Freetown as the NUMOUPERE ll of Izon-Ebe is long overdue and well deserving, considering his musical credentials and antecedents, track records and long years of entertainment and cultural Ambassador of the Izon Nation.

They say 'Kings are ordained by their mentors and superior authorities'. This underlines the fact that, the preparation of Chief Pereama as a King took place long ago when he was prayed for by late King Robert Ebizimor as the rightful and genuine successor. This happened at the production of Pereama's second song titled 'Sele Eneni' in 1989 as he was assisted by king Robert in the studio. Since then Pereama's life often times has been preoccupied with this prophetic revelation that he is the next King to take over. Think of his songs and lines like this: ' If Pereama the true embodiment of music has come to play in your town or locality, what could possibly be your entertainment?'. In another instance, he sang: ' If the whole of Izon Musicians have gathered to make me their King, so be it.' Interestingly, these were songs released so many years ago. Apparently, all of this is a pointer to the future, and today we have walked into that future.

Though it is a common knowledge that the musical prowess of Chief Pereama Freetown has no equal. It is equally a matter-of-fact that a music king should possess both oratory skills in songs and the mastery of musical instruments. The new crowned king, Chief Pereama Freetown is a professional who does not sing to thrill his audience only, but his songs are full of moral lessons. He is a great teacher via his songs. And these are unique qualities of a music king. For this, he is second to none, except the sage King Robert Ebizimor of blessed memory.

As a musician of uncommon greatness, Chief Pereama's songs are ever green in the memories of music lovers of the Owigiri dance as orchestrated by Prof. Isaac Koroware Belemu. No wonder, Mr. Japan of Tuomo, equally known as Sack-the-sacker described Pereama's songs as "made in Japan". In fact, the market value of his songs are timeless. 

Worthy of mention is the fact that, since the inception of Owigiri music, Pereama remains the only person who could produce a song without any assistance. Inside the studio, Chief Pereama Freetown is the gifted hand as an instrumentalist, the melodious backup voice and the talented lead voice as well. This of course is rare breed in the history of music within and outside Nigeria, globally.

His selfless and patriotic contributions to the growth of others also distinguished him as a deserving king. His willingness to assist without grudges, makes him the 'bride' of all musicians and music lovers. That is why he had been featured by almost all the Ijaw musicians in their songs. Indeed, his kingship is uncontestable as a result of his pedigree.

Chief Pereama Freetown is widely accepted by all the musicians as a multi- talented instrumentalist, and a man of high professionalism, discipline, integrity and honesty. These virtues are so eminent in him that even his arc critics would not deny. 

Above all, Pereama's musical ingenuity as gifted youth, with great natural ability, courage, devotion, originality, creativity, durability, fame- all these fully made him outstanding among his contemporaries as a credible, historical human phenomenon.

As a man of high values, Chief Pereama Freetown (JP), is married to the beautiful amazon of a wife, Chief (Mrs) Premier Pereama Freetown, and they are blessed with children.

ALL HAIL THE KING!

Haaaaaaaaaaa Izon!

Biography prepared by:

Gesikeme Akparakata/

Gideon Okorobia

PAP: Otuaro Vows to Deepen Amnesty Programme to Accommodate More Critical Stakeholders in The Niger Delta

PAP: Otuaro Vows to Deepen Amnesty Programme to Accommodate More Critical Stakeholders in The Niger Delta 

Francis Tayor

Warri ______ ln his capacity to restructure the Amnesty Programme to its original establishment ideals, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Administrator Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Burutu Otuaro has vowed to deepen the Amnesty programme in order to accommodate more critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta.

He stated this on Saturday in warri during a stakeholders meeting with phase two generals and other interest groups, the Special Adviser noted that he will incorporate impacted communities, especially the victims of the agitation in terms of military bombardment, widows of late falling heros in the struggle, the innocent lives that sustained various injuries leading to disability in our communities etc..

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.

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.