2027: Niger Deltans will Support Only Tinubu, PAP Boss Otuaro, Says He Has Earned the Peoples’ Confidence

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has declared that the Niger Delta will support only President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

He stated this in his remarks at the closing ceremony of the 'Stream 1' batch 3, three-day strategic Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation Training organised by the PAP for its stakeholders in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Friday.

Otuaro reiterated that President Tinubu has genuine intentions for the Niger Delta and is determined to sustain the prevailing peace in the region while galvanizing development activities and socio-economic growth through his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the people of the region to unite firmly behind President Tinubu's second term ambition for the greater good of the area.

He also cautioned the Niger Delta people to beware of political manipulators as activities gradually gather momentum towards the 2027 contest.

The PAP Boss urged the people of the region to be wary of the antics of desperate politicians with the intent to cause mischief in the region.

Otuaro stressed that President Tinubu has proven in the past two years that he has the best of intentions  for the region, noting that his administration, when re-elected, would consolidate on the laudable gains it had so far recorded.

He noted that President Tinubu had given unprecedented encouragement to the PAP, particularly his approval of an increase in the programme's budget to enable it expand opportunities in formal education, vocational training and post-training empowerment schemes for ex-agitators and beneficiaries.

Otuaro expressed optimism that President Tinubu would do much more for the region as he had demonstrated strong commitment and the political will to deliver on his mandate in the past two years.

The PAP helmsman said, "As Niger Delta people, we will support only His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in 2027. Let us not allow anybody to deceive us that come 2027, there is a new and better agenda. That is not true and we are wise enough to know.

"We are sure that President Tinubu has the best agenda for the country and indeed the Niger Delta, and he is the only candidate that we will all support.

"The President has proved that he has genuine intentions to sustain the peace, security, infrastructure and human capital development, and the socio-economic advancement in our region. He means well for us, and this is incontrovertible.

"We shall therefore fully support him. Supporting him is the right thing to do. Anywhere the President goes, we go. And that will be our mandate because the Niger Delta is our agenda.

"Though the elections are several months away, we must be aware of political manipulators who are out with their agenda of mischief.

“We must watch out as Niger Delta people. Let's not allow anybody to use anyone against us and the agenda of the President. We are so focused that we cannot be distracted. We know what is working for us, and what is good for our region and we will work to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

The PAP helmsman urged the people of the Niger Delta to shun divisiveness and work together in unity for the betterment of the area and to lay a solid foundation for the future.

WHEN POWER WORE A FACE–A Tribute to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua By: William Z. Bozimo

Power, in the Nigerian context, often arrives cloaked in bombast loud convoys, louder mouths, and the thundering silence of impact. But in one quiet man from Katsina state, power wore a human face. He was soft-spoken, deliberate, and visibly burdened by the weight of his office. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua became that rarest of breeds, a Nigerian president who did not pretend to have all the answers. 

He came into the saddle limping, literally and politically. Many whispered that he was just a placeholder; a reluctant beneficiary of a system greased by godfathers. However, from his first nationwide broadcast, something shifted. This man apologised to Nigerians for the deeply flawed elections that birthed his presidency. That singular act tore through decades of political hubris. It was not business as usual.

He had a vision for substance and not for show. Seven-point agenda: Niger Delta Amnesty, Due Process, Electoral reform, to mention a few. He wasn't seeking immortality in monuments or renamed airports, but rather, he was trying, however slowly, to sow the seeds of institutional conscience because he wanted his regime to succeed. Where others brought division cloaked in rhetoric, he offered reconciliation, even when it was unpopular. He respected the rule of law.

The Niger Delta will remember him. Before Yar’Adua, when militants roared, oil rigs burned. His Amnesty Programme offered not just money, but meaning, an attempt to integrate rather than annihilate. For once, the creeks were quiet. Guns fell silent. Hope tiptoed back to the mangrove swamps. In the Middle Belt and the North, there were no imperial proclamations. He moved with the measured cadence of a servant, not a sultan. He initiated reforms that would outlive his tenure because He was more concerned with nationhood than noise. 

To international partners, he was not bombastic. No grandstanding at summits. No parade of ego. Just a man trying to clean his corner of the world, one file at a time. Power wore a face that was not fierce, but fragile. Not deafening, but deeply moral. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua reminded us that public office is a trust, not a trophy. He was no messiah, but in the land of the arrogant and the unaccountable, his humility was revolutionary and commendable.

His illness became the cloud under which this gentle statesman governed. At times it stole his presence, but never his essence. Even in his absence, he exuded dignity. When he was well, he worked; when he was unwell, he tried. He never weaponized sympathy, nor did he conceal his humanity behind the iron curtain of protocol. Then came the long silence. Power crept into the corridors, hungry for an heir. Conspiracies thickened like the Abuja smog. 

But there was something sacred about how Nigerians responded. They waited, they hoped, they prayed. Not for the return of a despot, but for the healing of a decent man. When he died, Nigerians did not erupt in chaos. We mourned with a strange civility, as if some collective dignity had also passed. Even his critics conceded: Umaru was a good man, especially in Nigerian politics where goodness is often punished and guile rewarded. 

As we pitch tents today in camps of crass ambition and tribal entitlement, may we pause, only for a verse and remember the man who walked gently through our politics and left footprints still visible beneath the dust of louder legacies. As I write with trembling fingers and ink drawn from memory, I recall that when power wore a face, it looked like Yar’Adua’s, weathered by illness, lined with grace, and carved with a conscience. May he continue to rest in peace. 

A handsome man, gentle and admirable. 🙏🏽

✍🏽 William Z. Bozimo

Veteran Journalist | Columnist | National Memory Keeper

PAP Leadership Training: Gen. Bobo commends Otuaro, says he means well for delegates, calls for support

The immediate past National Chairman of the Third Phase Ex-agitators Forum, Comr. Bobo Tonye aka Sir T, has said the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief Dennis Otuaro, means well for delegates and stakeholders of the programme. 

Bobo’s commendation of the PAP boss was contained in a goodwill message sent to journalists on Sunday via email. 

The ex-freedom fighter thanked the Otuaro-led PAP for organizing a strategic leadership, alternative dispute resolution and mediation training in partnership with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, the nation's capital. 

Bobo who was a participant admitted that the 3-day training was remarkably interesting, adding that it has equipped the ex-agitators with the rudiments of purposeful leadership, dispute resolution as well as mediation. 

“It was a remarkably interesting and impactful leadership training and I thank the Amnesty Programme ably led by High Chief Dennis Otuaro for the privilege to broaden our horizons and become more useful members of society.

“Let me use this medium to encourage High Chief Otuaro to disregard naysayers who are bent on distracting him. Their antics will never work as we are solidly behind him. 

“He should continue to focus on actualizing the objectives of the Amnesty Programme and the vision of Mr. President,” he said. 

Bobo stressed that the training has equiped ex-agitators with valuable leadership skills that will enhance peace and development in the Niger Delta region

“Beyond the leadership training which we are immensely grateful for,” says Bobo, “the decision to include women - who are usually impacted by conflict - in the scheme of things is another good move.”

He also thanked the Otuaro-led PAP for sustaining the scholarship scheme and for facilitating the training, mentorship and employment of pilots from the oil-rich region. 

He said: “We are seeing the constant payment of monthly stipends, intermittent leadership and conflict resolution training of delegates, educational scholarship, vocational training and empowerment packages facilitated by the Amnesty Office. 

“High Chief Otuaro's achievements have brought hope and relief to many ex-agitators and helped to rebuild our lives and contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian society. We thank him for all he is doing for delegates and also for the decision to carry Niger Delta women along.”

He therefore thanked President Bola Tinubu for reposing confidence in Otuaro to lead the Amnesty Programme, saying it is “a testament to Mr. President’s dedication to the welfare of the people of the Niger Delta.”

He called on PAP delegates and other stakeholders of the Niger Delta to be patient with Otuaro and keep supporting the Amnesty Programme.

Opinion: The Miscalculation of the Tired Prince: Atiku and the Cost of Overreach_By: William Z. Bozimo

 

You cannot ask the South to cheer a second Fulani reign, not when the sweat of unity has been rinsed in disdain. Buhari took eight dry Harmattan years, and now Turakin Adamawa would have them smile through tears. Even the deaf heard the rotation song in 2015’s air. It is North, then South, a rhythm of fragile Nigerian peace. But undue power-hunger breaks such rhythms with careless ease.

Sir, was it not wiser to walk the humble track? Or stand beside Peter and have the nation’s back? To say, “This isn’t about tribe or throne, but who can heal this house we no longer call home”? If Atiku could run as Obi’s second in command, He would have gained what time and money can’t control: The trust of youths, the moral ground, the people's nod, and a statesman’s honour. Not the gambler’s flawed facade. But no, ancient dynasties rarely yield or share, they crown themselves in dust, then call it heirloom flair.

Like emperors of dusk who cannot read the light, they forget that morning comes and truth bites. Now the winds whisper strange alliances at night: Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai; such a cocktail tight. One from PDP’s bruised pavilion, another from the Obidient rebellion, and the third, a firebrand, not quite civilian. But can three strange bedfellows chart one steady star? Can ego-driven pasts truly carry us far? Or is this another coalition of convenience built on shared spite, and not shared conscience?

Obi seeks reform; Atiku thirsts for return; what about El-Rufai? A mystery wrapped in ego’s burn. If they plot for 2027, what’s the proposal, what’s the truth? Or are they simply different suits from the same booth? The South may have forgiven, but they never forget that power without equity is a fatal bet. You cannot mock rotation, then later turn around and cry for “zoning,” when you built your empire with a northern tone. Nigeria is not a pawn in your third-time chess because she is very weary, wounded, and craving less.

We don't need drama, tribal tantrums, betrayal of trust, and leaders whose hands gather dust. To run again would be to disassemble whatever fragile strands hold us as one, The South will not clap for another Fulani son at this time. Anyway, all is not lost, at least not yet. If Atiku can choose principle over fight and says, “Let a youthful and vibrant person with wisdom lead,” then history may plant his legacy’s seed. For power must not be the goal, but the means to clean the national mirror of its tribal smears and leans.

The South is watching and the youths are awake. The time for selfish bidding is what we must break. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria 🇳🇬. 

William Z. Bozimo

Veteran Journalist | Columnist | National Memory Keeper.

Eulogies as late Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni was laid to rest in Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom, Delta State

Francis Tayor 

On Saturday August 9th, 2025, remains of the wife of the Executive Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, late Mrs. Evang. Rosemary Sylvester Oromoni where laid to rest at her husband's compound Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom amidst eulogies and tears.

The funeral attracted great personalities from all walks of life, including politicians, business magnets, legal luminaries, the clergy among others from far and near across Niger Delta region in particular, and Nigeria at large who all came to pay their last respect to the deceased.

The late Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni was a renowned humanitarian, a highly dedicated, faithful and committed member of the commission God's Grace Ministry lnt'l Church, Warri.

The corpse of late Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni was conveyed from Safe Haven Mortuary warri in a motorcade by the Oromoni family and members of the God's Grace Ministry lnt'l Church led by the Bishop of the whole world who was ably represented by His Lordship, Rt. Revd. Evang. Jesutekevwe Samuel MiyeriJesu, the Assistant Bishop of the whole world alongside the Mother General of the whole world, Evang. Mrs. Ogheneyovwire Evelyn MiyeriJesu and the Senior Venerable, Revd. Evang. AtiabokiJesu Matthew MiyeriJesu arrived Ogbe-ljoh at about 10:30AM for lying in state at her husband's compound for funeral service.

In his sermon at the crusade like open air funeral service, His Lordship, Rt. Revd. Evang. Jesutekevwe MiyeriJesu described late Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni as a great humble and gentle woman that made positive impact in the church in particular, and the society at large.

Bishop Jesutekevwe said resurrection and judgement were at hand, hence he admonished believers as well as sinners for a positive change of heart as there is no repentance in the grave.

He pray God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest, while consoling her husband and the children to take solace in the Bible that their mummy is sleeping in the Lord. Bishop Jesutekevwe concluded by charging the children to immortalize their late mother legacy by promoting the good traits she radiated while on earth.

Immediately after the sermon and funeral service in accordance to the doctrine of God's Grace Ministry lnt'l Church Worldwide, the remains of Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni was taken to the graveside by the church marshalls and interred at about 1:45PM.

Late Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni died at the age of 57, leaving behind her husband, 9 children, 4 grandchildren and many relatives too numerous to mention.

The children in their various glowing tributes, described their late mother as a woman of faith, motivator, hardworking, cheerful, prayer warrior and a great pillar who has left a legacy that is worthy of emulation.

In his tribute, the eldest son, Hon. Keyness Orohdje Oromoni, who is Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor of Delta State on Oil and Gas lamented the early departure of his mother, stressing that she left at a time he needed her most. He expressed disbelief that his beloved mother is gone forever, while praying God to accept her gentle soul to rest in perfect peace in His bosom, Keyness stated.

While Hon. Trust Edumogiren in his tribute, described late Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni as a peaceful and benevolent woman who until her death was a mother to the motherless and the needy in the society who lived her entire life in serving God and humanity. He acknowledged that the deceased was a cheerful giver and never renders help to somebody in anticipation for payback. She would be greatly missed by the children, her husband, the church and the entire Oromoni family at large, Edumogiren asserted.

However, at the grand reception in warri, husband of the deceased, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni who is the Executive Chairman of Warri South-West LGA, Delta State was joined by friends, politicians, business magnets, legal luminary, clergy men and well wishers across Nigeria to celebrate with him over the successful burial of his beloved wife.

The distinguished guests where well treated with specially garnished variety of foods, assorted drinks among others.

The sympathizers where musically entertained by the melodious tunes and voice of a renowned Niger Delta born gospel music artist, Dr. Asu Ekiye as he performs magically to the amazement of the mammoth crowd that graced the reception.

Amongst some of the notable dignitaries in attendance include; High Chief. (Engr.) Kestin Pondi, MD Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief. Tunde Smooth, the Bolouwei of Niger Delta, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the Delta State Government, High Chief. Waylace, Sen. James Manager, Hon. Daniel Mayuku, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Jnr, Hon. Daniel Renieju, Hon. Prince Lucky Youbogha, Barr. George Turnah, Dr. Braduce Angozi Ph.D, Femi Falana (SAN), Chief. Favour Izoukumo, Capt. Let Themsay, Chief. Boro Opudu, Hon. Dan Yingi, Hon. Godwin Edumogiren, Hon. Andaye Dagidi, Chairman Bomadi LGA, Hon. Julius Takeme, Chairman Burutu LGA, Mr. Harry Song, Hon. Chief. Ebikeme Clark, Olorogun (Barr.) Egbo Jaro, Chairman Ughelli North LGA e.t.c.

Remains of late Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni would be committed to mother earth tomorrow August 9, 2025 at Ogbe-ljoh Warri Kingdom

The remains of late Mrs/Evangelist. Rosemary Oromoni, the wife of Hon. Chief Sylvester Oromoni, the Executive Chairman Warri South West LGA and the mother of late Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, the Dowen College student who died under controversial circumstances in 2021 after he was allegedly bullied by fellow students would be finally committed to mother earth tomorrow Friday August 9, 2025 at her husband's compound in Ogbe-ljoh Town, headquarters of Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

She died at the age of 57, leaving behind her husband, 9 children, grandchildren, sisters brothers and many relatives.

Recall that Service of songs/tribute was conducted on Thursday August 7, 2025 at her husband's compound in warri.

Meanwhile, tomorrow Friday 9th August, 2025 the body would be convey from mortuary warri to Ogbe-ljoh Town for Funeral Service by 9: AM through Warri Club.

Reception follows immediately after interment at the family compound by Estate, opposite Oasis Hotel, Warri.

Mrs Oromoni died in November 2024, three years after her son's tragic death. Reports say she battled depression and high blood pressure following the loss of her son and the long legal fight that followed.

Her son, Sylvester, became the centre of national attention after his death in November 2021. His family claimed he was beaten and forced to drink a toxic substance by seniors at Dowen College, Lagos. The school denied the claims, saying he got injured while playing football.

The case dragged for years with multiple autopsies giving conflicting reports. While an earlier autopsy suggested chemical poisoning, a Lagos coroner later ruled that Sylvester died of natural causes from sepsis. The students accused were eventually cleared, and no one was held responsible.

The Oromoni family, unhappy with the outcome, refused to bury their son for over two years. He was eventually laid to rest in Warri in January 2024. Just months later, his mother passed away.

Marital Bliss: Justice, Faith Set to Exchange Marital Vows August 16, 2025 in Warri, Invite Friends and Well Wishers

Preparation is on top gear for the duo, Mr. Justice Forcados of Ofougbene Community in Burutu LGA and Miss Faith Nweke of Ogbeja Community in lka North LGA, both of Delta State set to exchange marital vows according to the lka culture and tradition.

The event is inter-tribal marriage between the Delta lgbos and that of the ljaws of Burutu in Delta State.

According to the marriage programme stated that the traditional marriage rites (dowry) payment is schedule on Wednesday August 13, at Vincent Chiadika Residence in Ute Ogbeja Ogbeabau quarters, lka North LGA, Delta State.

While the traditional marriage reception is slated on Saturday  August 16th, 2025 at NNPC Junior Staff Club, Bendel Estate, along Airport road, Effurun Warri Delta State. 

Time: 11:00 AM.

Music by John Ekpesebo of Obotebe Town, Umbi Kingdom.

The dou however, use this medium to respectively invite their friends, colleagues, well wishers and the general public to join them celebrate on their Special Day, adding that there are variety of food and assorted wines specially packaged for the merriment of guests at the marriage reception

Opinion: When Hope Carries No Sword: A Reflection for Peter Obi_ By: William Z. Bozimo

He came not with horses or chariots, but with files and figures. A pilgrim in politics, walking barefoot into a field of broken thrones. Where others carried daggers behind their smiles, He bore only ledgers and the trust that decency could win. They called him “Mr. Integrity,” and some said it with reverence, while others with sarcasm; as if honesty were an affliction. But in a nation drunk on impunity, even a clean man starts to smell suspicious. 

The youth carried him like prophecy, not because they understood the system, but because they were tired of being statistics in someone else’s failure. He became their candle. But the storm was fierce. “Go and verify,” he said, and we did. We found the man was real, but the machinery was not. It's like a movement without trenches, a revolution without routers, and a battle cry without bullets.  He ran with a righteous heart but a rented vehicle.

A party that knew not its voters, nor the wards that birthed them. Where were all his captains and foot soldiers? The courts became his altar, but politics is not a prayer request. Just as faith alone cannot fill the ballot box. The ballot does not bend to purity, but rather, it plunges towards serious preparation. Perhaps, that is where hope fell short. What good is a choir if it cannot sing in the language of power? What good is honesty if it doesn't beguile strategy? 

They say democracy thrives when the people vote, but what if the ballot offers only a sinking boat? Though he spoke of stolen mandates, we asked: Did he ever truly possess the crown, or was it just the chorus? Let it be said that he made the unscrupulous tremble and rattled their tables. He also made the word “competence” fashionable again, thereby inspiring generations that decency is not weakness. For that reason, he deserves our applause, not our blindness.

Now the road to 2027 begins, rougher, bloodier, and more cynical. Will Peter Obi come with a sword this time? Will he build a fortress, and not just a following? Because a saint without a real strategy is just like a tragic footnote, and Nigeria cannot survive another beautiful failure. So let him rise again, but this time, armoured. Let him campaign and also conquer, understanding that in Nigeria, you do not enter Pharaoh’s palace without first surviving the wilderness.

“The ballot should be a choir, not a jail cell. If there is no voice for dissent, then we are only singing a song of slavery in the key of shame.”

✍🏽 William Z. Bozimo

Veteran Journalist | Columnist | National Memory Keeper

Oromoni family holds service of songs/tribute in honour of their late wife, Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni in Warri

On Thursday August 7, service of songs and tribute was held in honour of the wife of the executive Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, late Evangelist Mrs. Rosemary Sylvester Oromoni (née Kogoro).

Dignitaries cuts across all walks of life from far and near, including politicians, business men, the clergy among others joined the Oromoni family of Ogbe-ljoh to sympathize with the husband and children of the deceased at his Warri residence by Estate.

It was a solemn evening of tributes, worship, and reflections as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered for the Service of Songs in honour of Late Evangelist Mrs. Rosemary Sylvester Oromoni, held at her family residence.

The event, organized to celebrate the impactful life of the departed, was filled with deep emotions, powerful worship, and touching testimonies from loved ones who described her as “a treasure in human embodiment.” Songs of comfort and hope echoed as the congregation remembered a woman of faith, compassion, and strength.

The children in their various tributes, described their late mother as a woman of faith, prayer warrior, cheerful giver and a great pillar who have left a legacy that is worthy of emulation.

In his tribute, the eldest son of the deceased, Mr. Keyness Oromoni stressed that he never still believe that his beloved mother is gone, saying she left him at the time he needed her most, while praying God for her gentle soul to rest in perfect peace in His bosom, he noted.

Notable community leaders, ministers of the gospel, and members of the Oromoni and Kogoro families were in attendance, all united in grief and gratitude for the legacy she left behind.

Meanwhile, the remains of the late Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni would be committed to mother earth on Saturday August 9, at her husband's compound Ogbe-ljoh Town, headquarters of Warri South-West LGA, Delta State.

The Drunk Drunkards without Drinks Drunk_By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou Ph.D

Don't be a sacrilegious iconoclast!

Let the 'lizardic' lane lined up with 'olu' crabs and mudskippers symmetrically sonorous with aligned body movement;

Let the lizardic lane lined up with all arboreals.

All arboreal animals animated, not alienated, wild and drunk, devoid of drinks drunk.

Let all the arboreals scamper without a fall off  trees because it is a day  not-drunk drinks intoxicate  all down the lined lizardic lane; even the poets lost to their right and left lane on the lined lizardic lane.

Even the civet cat always drunk on the raffia palm tree turns a teetotaler, uncontrollably drunk with dance steps on the lined lizardic lane.

Then the wild but calculated flight of dolphins on the surface of the river, drunk with excitement without drinks drunk.

Don't be a sacrilegious iconoclast!

Let the fireflies fly higgledy-piggledy on the lined lizardic lane where even the poets and  dramatists are drunk without  drinks drunk.

Don't be a sacrilegious iconoclast!

This is a wild gathering of wild storytellers called together without a call;

Wild storytellers called together without a call to tell the story of Dr. Gogi Serikoromo...

A story over which the forest elderly women break into a wild dance until their sashes are torn, and waists wearied.

Don't be a sacrilegious iconoclast!

I know the sacrilegious iconoclasts have their stories  to tell because they hate  crowned achievement.

It is a wild gathering of 'efulefuls' who are loafers on the lined lizardic lane!

Only sacrilegious iconoclasts journey 'temugedegede' on this lane lined with broken bottles.

Brother, have you turned a sacrilegious iconoclast who will not question wild burial of a loved one, only letting his stinking mouth loose over the wild gathering of wild storytellers called together without a call by a genuinely crowned achievement?

Don't be a sacrilegious iconoclast!

I know the story told by all these echoes.

All these are echoes of Timiebi Maika who once said 'drink not drunk has arrested me'.

Standing in their spots everybody stands arrested by not-drunk drinks.

Arrested everybody stands today because the village storyteller has been turbaned.

Timiebi the master storyteller journeyed to the underworld in August 2020.

Here in another August her protege has got turbaned.

Why won't not-drunk drinks arrest the lovers of the turbaned storyteller?

Dr. Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Just-ln: Otuaro cautions against payment of money for Amnesty scholarship program, says application process is free

PRESS RELEASE

Otuaro Warns Against Payment Of Money For PAP Scholarship

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has expressed concern over complaints that some PAP stakeholders are allegedly collecting money from unsuspecting applicants for the programme's ongoing scholarship application process for the 2025/2026 academic session.

While warning against the alleged fraudulent act, Otuaro reiterated that the PAP scholarship application process for undergraduate and post-graduate programmes is free and money exchange for services was not allowed.

He spoke during the opening ceremony of the third batch of the three-day strategic Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation Training organised by the PAP for its stakeholders in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Otuaro said that information at his disposal indicated that some unscrupulous characters were allegedly collecting money from the parents and guardians of potential scholarship beneficiaries with all kinds of assurances.

The Administrator also urged potential beneficiaries to resist payment of any amount of money to anybody for the scholarship. 

He urged those qualified to apply through PAP portal and await the response of the office assuring that the process would be fairly carried out.

He described the alleged dishonest act as regrettable and unacceptable as it taints the integrity of the scholarship application process.

He stressed  that the scholarship scheme was designed to increase the Niger Delta youths' access to higher education and enhance human capital development in the area.

Otuaro restated his resolve to ensure a transparent process in the management of the scholarship and ensure that the purpose of the scheme is not derailed by unscrupulous individuals.

He cautioned those involved in the alleged illicit activity to desist from it, stressing  that anybody caught trying to divert the laudable project for extortionist activities would be dealt with.

He assured that the PAP would not allow anyone to compromise the integrity of the scholarship application process.

He said, "I have received reports alleging some stakeholders collect money from applicants, parents and guardians with fake promises concerning the ongoing scholarship application process for the 2025/2026 academic year.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the scholarship application process is free. No one should collect money from anybody; nobody should encourage someone to collect or give money to anybody for the scholarship exercise. It is free. 

"The scholarship programme is a deliberate scheme for our people for a better tomorrow, it is not for our today. My leadership is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability even in the management of the scholarship award process.

"Those engaged in the alleged bad act should stop because I will not allow anyone to compromise the integrity of the application process. I urge all stakeholders to help discourage the collection of money for the scholarship.

“We will take drastic steps against any one attempting to divert the opportunity of the scheme to swindle innocent people.”

Otuaro told the participants that the workshop was aimed at deepening their understanding of issues around the theme, and equip them to perform their leadership role better as PAP's peace ambassadors around their communities and indeed the Niger Delta.

"You are, infact, also peace ambassadors of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR. Therefore, you are expected to deploy the knowledge you would gain from this training to strengthen the ongoing peacebuilding process of PAP because the development of the region is in the priority agenda of the President," he said.

The PAP boss, while declaring the workshop open, urged the participants to take the entire exercise seriously in order for the objectives to be achieved in the interest of the region's peace, stability and development based on the President's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Signed:

Mr Igoniko Oduma

Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.

06/08/2025.

A Doctor not Dogmatised_By: Dr. Enewaridideke Ekanpou Ph.D

I mouthed Jp Clark and cried kpiyan kpiyan into this world, my lips decorated with Song of a Goat.

It was my first coming into this world.

I mouthed Chinua Achebe and cried kpiyan kpiyan into this world, my lips decorated with Anthills of the Savannah.

It was my second coming into this world.

I mouthed Wole Soyinka and cried kpiyan kpiyan into this world, my lips decorated with Chronicles of the Happiest People on Earth.

It was my third coming into this world.

Because my birth marks mark my first, second and third coming into this world, the world has given me a crown.

Doctor of Philosophy in storytelling is my crown.

Everyone now calls me Doctor wherever I go to.

For decades I journeyed everywhere, nameless, nameless to the discomfort of Dr Paul  and Dr Tompolo.

Dr Paul Bebenimibo and Dr Tompolo must be comforted I have been named after  decades.

Dr Izonebi and Dr Gesiere must be told I have been decorated. 

Decorated a Doctor not deracinated;

Decorated a Doctor not dominated;

Decorated a Doctor not dogmatised;

Decorated a Doctor not doctored;

Decorated a Doctor not deodorised;

Decorated a Doctor not donated .

I can see Timiebi Maika go wild and drunk with dance steps in the underworld.

My inside is dotted with native chalk.

My inside native chalk-dotted because Clark, Achebe and Soyinka taught me how to cry kpiyan kpiyan!

My crown came  because I shed tears for Clark, Achebe and Soyinka in my first, second and third coming into  this world.

Dr. Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Featured Article: The Arab Virgin, Saint Febronia of Syria

Arab invaders attacked a convent of nuns and captured a beautiful virgin, whom they offered as a gift to the commander of their troop.

= When the commander saw her, he was dazzled by her beauty and sought to corrupt her. She then said to him:

"Wait a moment, for I have learned a skill passed down among virgins, and it can only be performed by a virgin — otherwise, it is of no use."

= He asked her: "And what is this skill?"

She replied:

"It is an oil: if someone is anointed with it, no sword or weapon can harm them. You, who go often to war, would greatly benefit from it."

= He said to her: "And how can I be sure of that?"

So she took some oil and said to him:

"Anoint your neck with it and give me your sword so that I may strike you."

= He replied: "No! You shall anoint your own neck first, and I will strike with the sword."

She agreed gladly, anointed her neck with the oil, and said:

"Strike with all your strength!"

He drew his sword, which was very sharp, and she bent her neck. He struck with all his might, and her head rolled to the ground.

Thus, she chose to die by the sword rather than to defile her virginity.

The commander was deeply grieved and wept bitterly for having killed such a beautiful soul. He then realized that she had deliberately deceived him in order to escape defilement and sin…

 *(This is Saint Febronia of Syria.)* 

Blessed are you, O pure bride… May her blessing be upon you all… Amen 🙏

Intercede for us, O great saint, before the Throne of Grace. Amen 🙏

 *©️ Ruben Mario Brodrick*

The Story of Tompolo's Foundry and the Doctor_By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou Ph.D

Life is a seasonal struggle on earth.

A season comes when lie-coated  storytelling small pots are broken for a ploughed path.

A new story demands a freshly ploughed path.

A ploughed path peopled by Tompolo's dynasty of doctors.

The lie-coated storytelling small pots have been scattered into smithereens, revealing Tompolo's blazing foundry.

A piece of metal disappeared into the foundry, out as a solid seasonal spear.

The spear is the seasonal spittle of the foundry.

From the foundry I was hammered into a seasonal spear.

In the foundry I 'kokoloko' saw Dr Paul Bebenimibo and Chief Kestin Pondi as helpers shaping the latest heated spear...

From Tompolo's foundry a doctor of English has been forged and spat out like dolphins spitting out a course for lost sailors at sea.

A seasoned blacksmith of transformation Tompolo has turned in thoughts;

A blacksmith who has fashioned out solid irons against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in Nigeria...

This was a doctor who walked on spiky paths, but home victorious 

without blood.

Indeed, the lie-coated storytelling small pots have been scattered into smithereens, revealing only how

Tompolo's foundry   turns out  doctors as solid seasonal spears .

The world only knows Paul, Dennis and Julius as academic doctors in different fields of study.

Off my fingers I can count Paul, Dennis and Julius as products of Tompolo's foundry.

I am the current spear spat out by Tompolo's foundry .

I am the spear that once walked on spikes but came home unhurt.

Only one  foundry  seasonally spits out doctors in different fields as a dolphin does at sea.

It is Tompolo's foundry that spits out doctors  in Nigeria beyond the oil theft and pipeline vandalism war waged justly without arms.

The doctors from Tompolo's foundry are Aristotled;

Their Aristotled thoughts journeying always, but not far away from this ploughed path.

Like mulched plantains in Akparemogbene, the truth must sprout as seeds scattered over the surface of the earth.

Forever the lie-coated storytelling small pots remain broken into pieces...

From the smithereens of the storytelling small pots Tompolo's dynasty of doctors shall spring as the sprouting story.

Only as a continuum of conquerors shall the doctors from Tompolo's foundry rise as the sprouting story over the broken pots.

Dr. Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Lagos State deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat advises parents to teach their children how to fish and not to eat fishes always

Dear Parents, 

By Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos Deputy Governor 

There are things that parents do that makes me wonder if they know the implications. In my teaching career, I've come to realize that children who are well brought up produce better results.

What I see these days is training the "butty" (aje butter) way which gets me scared of what will happen in the next 10-15 years.

I see eight year olds who don't bother to lay their beds.

I see 10 year olds served by the maid or "caring mum" on the table and they either don't pack the table or they just dump the plates in the kitchen for the maid or "caring mum".

Drivers carry the bags of

children above 5 years and the children call them "my driver".

Manual cloth washing is

gradually been replaced by

washing machines yet the maid or "caring mum" will be the one to do the laundry.

Children wake up and go straight to the TV and sleep late watching TV with mum and dad but mum and dad don't allow them read late.

They'll say "go and sleep".

I see parents play game for

hours on their phones yet

wonder why their children don't read and why their results are poor despite investment in expensive schools.

I see tweenagers and teenagers who can't cook common white rice because there's maid, nanny, cook, "caring mum" etc.

I see children who are addicted to cheating in exams, assignments, class work and the parents aren't taking conscious steps to correct it, instead some will bribe teachers to make their children first, teach them during external exams or take them to "miracle centres" to write their exams.

I see children who talk to their parents and other adults disrespectfully and all parents say is "children of nowadays are outspoken".

Your children's wardrobe is full of clothes but they don't have a single book.

You buy them lots of toys but you didn't buy them books.

I can go on and on.

See, when next you tell your

child not to do house chores,

study hard, etc, have it at the back of your mind that what you're saying is "don't take responsibility for your life".

I guess parents don't know that chores and morals are almost directly proportional to academic performance.

Haven't you thought of it that when our forefathers went to farm, fetched water, etc, before or after school, the world was a better place?

Haven't you thought of it that our local proverbs which have remained relevant were coined by unlettered men and women? 

A Hausa proverb says, "Ka so naka, duniya ta 'ki shi..." favour your son and the world will reject him..." (vice-versa).

A Yoruba proverb also says, "eni a nwo ki wooran"... "those who make news don't watch news".

So when you're mentoring your children to be T.V. addicts you should understand what you're

grooming them to be.

There are TWO PAINS in life and everyone must suffer one; *PAIN OF DISCIPLINE* or *PAIN OF REGRET*.

When you're preventing your

children from going through *pain of discipline*, just understand that you're automatically preparing them for *pain of regret*.

Some parents feel that their

children's careers are secured because of their financial stand.

Now, let's do this analysis:

1. You get your children a job.

2. You make them take over your company.

3. You set up a business for

them.

1. If you get them a job and they have the wrong attitude at work like being late, talking rudely to clients, etc, which made the company lose a big contract, will they keep them there?

2. They take over your company and your company lost within three months an amount that you didn't make in your first five years in business due to their lack of discipline, will you pat them on the head and say I'm proud of you child?

3. They run the business shabbily and there's nothing to show for it within few years.

The earlier we stopped these

pampering the better. You will give an account to God for them.

Train your child in the way he

should go and when he is old, he won't depart from it.

-KOH