Just-ln: Amnesty Scholarship portal opens for applicants, as Otuaro urges qualified Niger Deltans to apply for 2025/2026 academic session

In a bold and visionary move, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has thrown open the doors of opportunity once again; officially announcing the 2025/2026 Onshore Scholarship Awards for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The application registration period is from Friday 11th July to 8th August, 2025. Consequently, all interested candidates should note the following registration eligibility criteria (General for 2025/2026) on the official public announcement letter below.

The Presidency, Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) announcing the 2025/2026 Onshore Scholarship Award for Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies.

Application Period:

Friday, 11th July to Friday, 8th August 2025

✅ Eligibility Criteria (General for 2025/2026):

Must be eligible beneficiaries of the PAP (ex-agitators or from impacted communities) from nine (9) Niger Delta states:

Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River

Undergraduate Requirements:

Must have sat for the 2025 UTME or be a new entrant into 100 level programs.

A valid UTME result is required.

A minimum UTME score is required (usually around 200 or as specified by PAP).

Awaiting results for WAEC or NECO are not allowed.

Postgraduate Requirements:

Must be new entrants into 2025/2026 academic session.

Maintain a minimum average CGPA (e.g., 2.5 over 5.0 or 2.0 over 4.0 for undergraduates).

Must not be involved in misconduct against PAP regulations.

May be required to undertake a written aptitude test and oral interview.

🎓 Scholarship Covers:

Tuition Fees

Accommodation

Monthly In-Training-Allowance (ITA) and Book Allowances. 

🔗 How to Apply:

Visit the official scholarship application portal:

https://scholarship.osapnd.gov.ng

📌 Signed:

Management

The Killer in Journalists and Privileged Individuals_By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou

Strong institutions are the pride of a nation because they kill the virus of graft. Strong institutions usually emerge from a single-minded determination and decisive action. Nddc, Nimasa, the security agencies, legislative arms, judiciary, governmental ministries, parastatals,  Efcc, Icpc and many others can work effectively without being mired in graft if journalists and privileged individuals could collaborate and work, always awake to their daily responsibilities. Today the various institutions in Nigeria are somewhat weak and defective because journalists and wealthy individuals in the society  have gone awol though President Tinubu is  currently at work to build strong institutions through his various policies at different stages of implementation. My concern here today does not revolve around  the government but rather it revolves around journalists and wealthy individuals in the society identified here as the blight on strong institutions.

Though fundamentally focused on journalists and privileged individuals here, it must however be stressed that through  the meaningful policies of President Tinubu who is distinguished  by his insight into the plague of the Niger Delta, the upstream sector of the Nigerian economy  has been positioned for optimum performance through the pragmatic advocacy of TANTITA against oil theft and pipeline vandalism just as the PAP has been similarly positioned to pursue the true objectives of Amnesty through the refined borderless policy of administration adopted by Chief Dr Dennis Otuaro, the current PAP boss. These are institution-strengthening strategies being audaciously replicated at the state level by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the pursuit of his MORE agenda strategically aligned with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda.

Editorials usually foreground the position of a given newspaper on any current matter but today it is fast becoming the norm among most online newspapers for editorials to be devalued and overshadowed by mere journalistic reports. Editorials foreground the position of the paper on a current national issue that burdens the ordinary people. It saddens  these days that most online newspapers journey journalistically everywhere without editorials and punchy opinion articles to awaken the government to meaningful action on key aspects of government policies being implemented. It is more of sympathy and support journalism animated by  brown envelope and financial inducements. This has to change if we must build strong institutions to activate good governance and accountability. Without an awakening journalism, it is a smooth sail to JAPA; and JAPA is a phenomenon that depletes our human resources in Nigeria as our best brains migrate to different  western countries for self-actualisation and social belonging.

 

Journalists kill the growth of strong institutions when some newspapers cowardly and  tactically refrain from publishing articles that constructively attack the individuals and institutions they have an established sympathy  for in their reportage and editorials. Some newspapers even condescend to the level of 'alerting'  such individuals and institutions to a waiting article on their table written by someone, particularly when the article is  critically biting. Such timely alert usually attracts heavy financial inducements from the alerted which eventually  kills the article they did not even write, neither would they be held responsible if the said article backfired legally. Such critical article or press release should be published however the calibre of persons involved and logically wait for defensive reactions from the affected persons. 

It is the worst form of betrayal in journalism for a journalist or a newspaper to take dictation from certain individuals on what to publish and what not to publish based on financial inducements. Journalists or newspapers involved in this objectionable condescension cannot build strong institutions and demand accountability from the government because they have lost the moral authority and moral  compass to bark at others who have erred.

The above scenario is what I call condescending,  barbaric APROKO journalism that kills strong institutions. Let us wash  our hands off APROKO journalism; let us wean ourselves off APROKO journalism and embrace the type of journalism that carries echoes of Ernest Sissei Ikoli, the pioneering Nigerian journalist. 

Born 25 March 1893, Ikoli who hails from Twon in Bayelsa State,, the first editor of Daily Times but later left the editorial desk to run his own paper named The African Messenger when Daily Times did not give him his required space to  critically engage the colonial policies of Sir Fredrick Lord Lugard, is an Ijaw man. With his constant criticisms, legislative council in Lagos, party politics and representative government were injected into the 1922 Clifford constitution. He was also known for his criticism of the 1914 amalgamation of the North and the South by the colonial government. The journalistic engagements and  sacrifices of Ikoli created  meaningful changes in the colonial policies of Lord Lugard.

If we must build strong institutions through journalistic advocacy, it must begin with the building and strengthening of our indigenous spiritual and cultural institutions which were the first casualties when the colonial masters came. In the thinking of the colonial masters, Africans could lose their dignity , be manipulated and treated like puppets if they could  be re-orientated to the fact that foreign things were better and of higher value than their own indigenous culture and values. Africans had high moral standards rooted in their indigenous cultures and so to destroy our spiritual and cultural  foundations was the first target of the Europeans. Your fence of defence crumbles when your culture is destroyed. To destroy the backbone of Africans through this cultural mechanism was the kernel of the address of Thomas Babington Lord Macaulay to the British Parliament on 2nd February 1835. Lord Macaulay was a British historian, poet, essayist and politician known for his book THE HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 

For Chinua Achebe, the centre loses direction and stability when things fall apart at the cultural level. To launch a counter narrative to regain our cultural foundation needed for strong institutions, journalists must intentionally rebuild our spiritual and  cultural foundation through storytelling and reports. If your own spiritual and cultural heritage was intentionally destroyed, you must intentionally rebuild it through journalistic narratives.

To regain our spiritual and cultural pride, journalists must not carry prejudices in their coverage and reportage. Journalists must journey to any place where festivals rooted in African spiritual and cultural heritage are held. This could be in communities in Urhobo, Itsekiri, Igbo or Isoko. Don't say you are not going to cover such cultural events because you are a Christian or Muslim. It must be an unbiased coverage towards spiritual and cultural revival.

Journalists need meaningful backing to survive and awaken government institutions to the right path, away from graft. The indigenous newspapers need adverts and direct financial support from wealthy individuals but this is nowhere to be found. Even the so-called privileged individuals run to indigenous newspapers or smaller newspapers for quick defensive stories and reports when their reputation is about to be mired. Alas, such individuals befriend the big newspapers when it is time for adverts on obituaries, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. How do you want the indigenous newspapers or the 'neophyte newspapers' to survive under this discriminatory atmosphere? It is quite close to Barrister Soja Smooth's analogy of giving millions to BEKE musicians as engagement fee and giving the Ijaw musicians only one hundred thousand as engagement fee.  You must change this attitude. How many of our people are here  today to celebrate the Congress newspaper for being on the  media space for four years?

Again and again, I maintain that if  we must strengthen our institutions to prevent graft in governance and law-making, we must first strengthen our cultural and traditional institutions; these institutions strengthened, we have got the enabler to kill graft because graft stems from individuals out of tune with their various cultures. Let us popularise the ideals of our culture and tradition first which will guide the behaviour of individuals engaged in law-making and the running of our various institutions. A man rooted in the codes of his  own culture and tradition will not be part of graft.

Before  we build strong institutions, we must avoid the journalism of brown envelope  and the journalism of sympathy with this and that. Journalists must be investigative, objective and vehemently refuse to be  influenced in their reportage. We must also avoid giving frivolous awards to individuals. It diminishes a newspaper that showers  undeserving awards on individuals and individuals. Conversely, it promotes a newspaper astronomically when deserving awards are given to individuals and institutions. The society knows when wrong awards are given to individuals and institutions that don't merit such awards. Wrong awards kill the growth of strong institutions. Newspapers must therefore be watchful over this tempting tendency.

Towards the building of strong institutions, we must also focus on the hitherto unexplored space in journalism. That is the indigenous space that comprises the core cultural elements of our people! For smaller newspapers or media houses, the indigenous space must be seen as your comparative advantage over the 'mainstream newspapers'.Tell stories that are not told by the mainstream  newspapers.You are free to tell stories already told by the mainstream newspapers but it must be  in a striking manner that distinguishes you from them. Don't copy and tell stories from the angle already used by other newspapers. Leave a trending story alone if you cannot engage it strikingly from your own angle. Be original and always use good editors to avoid blunders because blunders reduce the quality of your paper.You must pay serious attention to your editorial. Use your editorial to address salient issues. Let your editorials distinguish you from the crowd.

Strong institutions cannot be built without a thought for the above areas. If the security agencies, ministers, commissioners, legislators,   permanent secretaries, directors-general, chairmen, judges and heads of government parastatals, agencies, commissions, etc, must be strengthened away from graft, journalists and privileged individuals must devotedly engage these highlighted roles. There must be a meaningful synergy between journalists and the privileged individuals towards the revival of our destroyed spiritual and cultural foundations because Africans cannot make progress without these foundations. Let us synergise and work together to enthrone strong institutions ideologically friendly to our spiritual and cultural heritage but ideologically antagonistic to graft .

Journalists are meant to bark and awaken people to their responsibilities but they cannot bark at people and institutions as the accredited watchdogs of the society if they are disabled or disenabled by financial virus. If they must bark, privileged individuals need to support them financially in occasions like this and beyond this, first by way of massive attendance, and secondly, by way of robust financial fellowship or companionship.The journalists need you to survive . You need the journalists to watch over a significant part of your life for meaningful existence. It is a functional relationship of mutualism, without which figurative death stalks both.

Privileged individuals must be the enabler for journalistic journeys; enabled journalists must be ready to bark rightly without targeted financial inducements because journalists command a wholesale market of consumers when they bark without being teleguided towards a particular channel based on fixated sympathies.

Being the copy of an address given  by Ekanpou during the four-year celebration of the Congress newspaper at TM Hotel, Warri

Warri Delineation Exercise: Former lawmaker charges INEC to correct all abnormalities and release final report without further delay

Francis Tayor

The lndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC has been advised to complete the pending Warri Federal Constituency Ward Delineation Exercise Report without further delay.

The charge was made by a former Councillor in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the State, Hon. Company Yerinbowei Felix, fondly called Ycom D 'Endless Ocean' following the rising tension among the three ethnic groups affected by the exercise in warri.

Hon. Company said there are various protests ongoing in the affected areas due to some errors made by INEC in their field work report, stressing that such abnormalities should be amicably addressed by the electoral umpire in order to ensure equity, fairness and justice.

He noted that since INEC have discovered the truth about  manipulated wards by particular ethnic group following their field work, it is expected they conclude the process without fear or favour.

He therefore, called on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to take the bold step as he normally do in calling results after elections to correct every grey areas and release the final report of the long awaited Warri Federal Constituency Ward Delineation ordered by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

PS Kokole lnvites Friends, Colleagues and Well Wishers on Daughter's Marriage Tomorrow 11th July, 2025 at Ughelli in Delta State

Francis Tayor 

The Assistant Director Administration (Exco Recorder) Burutu Local Government Council who is also the Secretary to the Burutu LGA Traditional Rulers Committee, Sir Patrick Selekeye Kokole has invited the general public, especially family, friends, colleagues and well wishers to join him celebrate tomorrow Friday 11th and Saturday 12th July, 2025 as he gives out one of his daughters, Pharm. Lucy Funkeye Kokole to Mr. Olayinka Davies hand in marriage.

According to Kokole in the marriage invitation stated as follows:

Chief/Hon/Dr/Prof/Barr/Sir/Ma.

" I wish to humbly remind you of my daughter Pharm. F. L. KOKOLE marriage ceremony as slated below:

Friday 11th July, 2025:

Traditional marriage at Mr. KOKOLE Patrick compound, Isodje street Oteri, Ughelli.

2 Saturday 12th July, 2025: Court Wedding and Receiption at Ughelli Guest House, Ughelli.

God Almighty bless you as come, the statement added."

From: KOKOLE Patrick.

Meanwhile, it will interest you to note that PS Kokole hailed from Ayakoromo community in Burutu LGA of Delta State while the potential son-in-law hails from the family of Mr. Tosin Kemiki of ljebu ldagbo, ljebu Ogun State.

Kokole however, honourably request the esteem presence of his family and well wishers to honour the invitation, stressing that every necessary arrangement have been put in place for adequate entertainment of guests.

Smooth urges Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ijaw nations to unite behind Tantita, as Niger Delta group present Tantita's impressive scorecard

Francis Tayor

Ijaw highlife music maestro and the paddle of Niger Delta, Chief. Barrister Smooth has once again called on the various tribes in the Niger Delta region, especially the Urhobos, ltsekiris, ljaws, lsokos and others to rally round Tantita security services Nigeria Limited over the impressive performance of the oil pipeline security company over the few years in the region.

Smooth made the remarks in warri during the courtesy call by Save the Niger Delta Group passing a Vote of Confidence on Tantita as 'Top Security Company in the Niger Delta'  citing Impressive Scorecard. 

Smooth described Tantita security company as a game changer by meaningfully transforming many lives from poverty to riches, safeguarding our once bastardized environment and watersways by the activities of illegal oil bunkering among other nefarious pipeline vandalism by oil thieves

He said Urhobo, ljaw and ltsekiri nations are one, let's unite and be a brothers keeper in order to move the state forward in particular, and Niger Delta region at large.

In their presentation, the Group whose membership cuts across Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states led by its national President, Mr. Gesikeme Akparakata lauds  the top Security firm in the Niger Delta for its Humanitarian projects in its front burner. The Group with the overall interest of the people and tribes presented a Scorecard harnessing and re evaluating the company's activities in the fight against pipeline vandalism, Sea piracy and illegal oil Bunkering in the Niger Delta. 

The Group Secretary Elum Oghenevwede from the Urhobo tribe appreciates Tantita for its all inclusive employment schemes and the beautiful Infrastructures brought to Urhobo land. 

In her remarks Mrs Enobun Abu from Akwa Ibom cannot hid her feelings for the overwhelming impact TANTITA has brought to the Niger Delta beyond tribal lines. 

The Group Woman Leader Mrs Princess Ogbotimibo expressed her joy with a song that High Chief Dr Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo has always had both the women, the orphans, the widows and the old, under his payroll, not to mention the many beneficiaris of business entrepreneurs raised by Tantita under the leadership of the most benevolent Engr Kestin Pondi. She prays for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to hand over the security business of the Niger Delta to Tantita to solidate the stability and peace it has brought thereby stabilizing the country's economy. 

In closing, Pastor Frank Bideke prays for Chief Barrister S Smooth as the only unifying voice in the Niger Delta with his song  WA MO BO let's live as one!

Delta Bursary Board Endorses NUIS Campus Tour, as Agediga Reaffirms Student Support Initiatives

The Chairman, Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board, Comrade Shedrack Agediga, hosted the leadership of the National Union of Izon-lbe Students (NUIS) in a meeting focused on advancing student welfare and educational advocacy.

During the visit, NUIS unveiled its Campus Tour Program, aimed at tackling social vices like cultism and drug abuse, while promoting academic excellence across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

In response, Comrade Agediga commended the initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive educational support. He highlighted key programs under the Delta state bursary and scholarship board including:

• Bursaries for students in public and private institutions

• Scholarships for law school candidates and students with disabilities.

• Support for children of deceased civil servants.

• Awards for first-class and specialized students.

• Postgraduate scholarships and support.

Agediga emphasized that Delta state bursary is for all eligible delta state students and doesn't operate on ethnic quarter system. 

The Chairman pledged full support for the NUIS tour, calling for impactful messaging to steer students away from vices and toward purpose-driven lives.

Late Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni for burial on 9 August, 2025 at Ogbe-ljoh Warri Kingdom

Francis Tayor 

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 committed to mother earth at her husband's compound in Ogbe-ljoh Town, headquarters of Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State on the 9th August, 2025.

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

According to the burial programme signed by Hon. Ebike Oromoni for the family and Keyness Oromoni for the children, stated as follows:

_Thursday 7th August, 2025: Night of Tribute at the family compound by Estate, opposite Oasis Hotel, Warri.

_Friday 9th August, 2025: Funeral Service at Ogbe-ljoh Town, headquarters of Warri South-West LGA.

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.

Mulade to Chair Congress Newspaper 4th Anniversary on 10th July, in Warri, as Omare, Ekanpou, Mulu to Appear as Dignitaries

The Congress Newspaper, along with its online television station, is excited to announce its 4th anniversary celebration taking place on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 in Warri , Delta State, Nigeria.

The event will honour personalities with track records with awards, this included lectures with the Theme: "Entrenching accountability in governance, with lecture topic: "Strengthening institutions and legislations to prevent graft in governance".

The event would be Chaired by Chief Sheriff Mulade, national coordinator of CEPEJ, Special Guest of Honor, Barr Eric Omare, former IYC president, Guest of Honor, Mr Mulu Anthony, MD/CEO SILVER CONTINENTAL GLOBAL VENTURES LTD and Keynote speaker, Enewaridideke Ekanpou, writer and Publisher.

However, the news firm warmly invites members of the public and esteemed guests to attend the historic event, which promises to be a memorable, filled with entertainment, networking opportunities, and a look back at the newspaper's impactful contributions over the past four years.

Since its inception in 2021, the Congress Newspaper has established itself as a trusted source of news and information, focusing on serving its readers with quality journalism and in-depth analysis of current events. The accompanying online television station has also expanded its reach, providing visual storytelling and coverage of significant happenings within the Niger Delta and beyond.

“Our anniversary is not just a celebration of our achievements, but a celebration of Niger Delta story telling,” said Sir Ozobo Austin, Editor-in-Chief of the Congress Newspaper. “We are grateful for the continued support from our readers and viewers, and we look forward to a great moment of reflection, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead.”

However, the Congress Newspaper invites everyone to join in this milestone celebration and to continue supporting ethical journalism.

Nigeria House of Reps Seek to lncrease National Assembly Members from 469 to 552 to Ensure Regional Balance

The House of Representatives has proposed a constitutional amendment to allocate 10% of seats in the National Assembly for women and 5% for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

This proposal, announced by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Tuesday during the official opening of the 2025 National Assembly Open Week and the launch of the 10th House Midterm Legislative Scorecard in Abuja, aims to embed these quotas in the Constitution for long-term inclusion.

Under this framework, 83 new seats would be created: 55 in the House of Representatives (increasing its size from 360 to 415) and 28 in the Senate (bringing the National Assembly’s total to 552 seats).

Speaker Abbas explained that these reserved seats for women would be filled through direct elections on separate ballots and distributed by state to ensure regional balance. For PWDs, 5% of existing seats would be reserved, with candidates nominated by accredited disability advocacy organizations.

Those elected to these reserved seats would have equal rights and responsibilities as other legislators.

Abbas emphasized that this reform is long overdue, noting that women’s representation has stagnated despite constituting half the population.

He cited global examples like Rwanda and Senegal, where constitutional quotas significantly increased female representation.

Just-ln: Bill to Establish Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Delta State Scales Second Reading in Senate

Abuja___ A bill seeking to establish the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Delta State, has passed second reading in the Senate. The proposed hospital is aimed at providing comprehensive medical services for workers in the oil and gas industry, as well as for communities affected by oil and gas operations.

Presiding over the session, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Health for further legislative work. The committee is expected to report back within four weeks.

The bill, titled A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital, Benikrukru, Delta State (SB. 847), was sponsored by Senator Onwakpo Thomas Joel (APC, Delta South). It was first read on June 24, 2025.

Leading the debate, Senator Joel explained that the bill aims to provide specialized medical services to oil and gas workers and their host communities, who are frequently exposed to occupational hazards resulting in illnesses and injuries.

“The bill seeks to establish a hospital that will ensure access to quality healthcare for workers in the oil and gas sector, as well as residents of communities affected by exploration activities,” he said.

He noted that the hospital would offer emergency care, occupational health services, and treatment for oil and gas-related conditions, helping to reduce downtime and increase productivity in the industry.

“The siting of this hospital is strategic. It will help address long-standing agitations and restiveness in the Niger Delta by offering tangible health benefits to affected communities,” Joel added.

He highlighted that Delta South Senatorial District has the highest offshore crude oil production in Delta State and ranks second nationally. The proposed location for the hospital lies at the heart of offshore oil exploration, serving communities and companies such as Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil, Total, and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

Senator Joel also emphasized that the hospital’s funding structure has been designed to avoid additional financial burden on the federal treasury.

“The hospital will be funded by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which derives revenue from 1% of every contract awarded within the oil and gas sector,” he explained.

“Since the NCDMB is not directly funded by the federal government, the hospital’s funding will come from this independent revenue source.”

The bill’s passage is seen as a significant step toward improving healthcare access in oil-producing communities and addressing environmental and occupational health concerns in the Niger Delta.

DELTA DEVT.: Mulade urges Oborevwori on industrialization, people impactful projects across the state

Delta State-born and renowned peace and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has called on Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to prioritize people-oriented projects that will industrialize the state and create the much-needed employment opportunities for the youths.

Comrade Mulade, a prominent environmental rights activist and United Nations Peace Ambassador, made the remarks during a recent press conference which was held in Asaba, the State capital. 

Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, emphasized on the urgent need for the State government to focus on initiatives that will not only enhance economic growth, but also improve the quality of life for residents in the State.

Speaking further, Mulade urged the Delta State government led by Governor Oborevwori to emulate his counterparts like governors Pastor Eno and Mbah of Akwa-Ibom and Enugu states respectively, with the latter who recently launched Enugu Airlines whose state income is somewhere 50 per cent of Delta State resources. 

According to him, "Delta State has more resources to float Delta Airways, which will create employment opportunities for our youths and industrialise the state."

The development advocate further argued that while "infrastructural projects are good, however, creating employment opportunities for the youths is far better and more important for peaceful, revitalised, sustainable economy that will add value to our economy."

Mulade therefore appeal to the governor to prioritise industrialisation due to its immense benefits of job creation, while he also admitted the State's unhealthy policies that are anti-business.

"I want to strongly appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State, to consider and prioritise industrialization as key to save our deteriorated economy. 

"It is equally imperative to state that Delta State business economy is not healthy because of some government policies that are not economically friendly," he stated.

2027: Otuaro appeals to Niger Deltans to back APC South South leaders Resolution on President Tinubu’s Reelection bid

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has urged the people of the Niger Delta to support the declaration of the leaders of the South South All Progressives Congress (APC) to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

 

Otuaro spoke while reacting to the position of the South South APC leaders and governors to adopt President Tinubu as their sole candidate in the 2027 presidential election in an interview with a select number of journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

Otuaro said that what the South South APC leaders and the governors did was the right way to reward a sincere and committed leader who has shown in practical terms his love for the region and the people.

Leaders of the APC in Edo, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States in collaboration with other members of the party in the south south zone had met in Benin on July 5, 2025 where they unanimously endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in office.

Otuaro noted that the President has proved beyond doubt his love and dedication to the affairs and development of the Niger Delta through strategic appointments, initiation of big-ticket projects, establishment of agencies and adequate funding of existing ones.

Otuaro said that the Niger Delta and indeed the South South has faired well under the well-implemented Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

He argued that a President who signed into law the bills establishing the Maritime University, Okerenkoroko; the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, the South South Development Commission, and intensified support for the NDDC and the PAP, means well for the region and deserved the peoples support in return.

Otuaro further said, "His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has not hidden his intention to develop the South South and the Niger Delta, which explains why he has given this level of attention to the Lagos-Calabar Expressway.

"I urge the South South and the Niger Delta people to embrace the informed position of the APC leaders to sustain the region in the position to attract more development through a listening leader.

"I also advise the youths of the region and delegates of the Presidential Amnesty Programme not to allow themselves to be used by politicians with intentions inimical to the interest of the Niger Delta.

“I know that many will soon besiege our  streets with their deceptive antics out of desperation for votes. 

“We all can attest to what the President has done, and we are informed enough to know who is sincere with the desired development of our region.

“What this President deserves is our continued support and contribution to his reelection in 2027", the statement added.

IYC tackles UPU publication of Acrimony against Tantita, urges president Tinubu to jettison unpatriotic Urhobo youths

IYC LAMBASTS UPU OVER CALL FOR FG TO REMOVE SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT FROM TANTITA: CALLS ON PRESIDENT TINUBU TO IGNORE UNPATROTIC ELEMENTS 

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, receives with great displeasure, the call by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) on President Bola Tinubu to remove the pipeline pipeline surveillance contract from Tantita Security Services Limited on Urhobo territory.

Council is not only taken back by this display of grave immaturity by a critical organization such as the UPU. We are concerned that the body may have lost touch with its formation values, which include building strength in unity and good neighborliness.

For the purpose of alarming the gullible general public with the right information, it is expedient to clarify that the contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited TSSNL, by the Federal Government was not on ethnic basis, but solely on the ground of competence. 

In fact, the contract was only awarded after an open bidding and rigorous screening processes that supposedly qualified Urhobos were not denied from taking part.

The company has overtime lived out competence in delivering the terms of its contract with the Government, which is evident in the steady rise of the country's oil production volume as it approaches the 2 million bpd mark.

To refresh our memories, this same job was handled by Capt. Hosa Okunbo of Edo State for more than 8 years, covering Urhobo territories without a word from the UPU perhaps because the company didn't stop illegal bunkering activities in their areas, that drastically reduced oil production volume of the country, making it difficult for other companies to operate.

It is within the rights of the UPU to seek perceived benefits due Urhobo nation from all arms of government. However, doing such at the altar of whipping ethnic sentiments is a misstep, too overt to ignore knowing fully well the number of Urhobo contractors working freely without issues or blackmail in Ijaw territories.

 

This blunderous misstep if left uncorrected could snowball into a sustained blackmail against an Ijaw-owned firm and a further whip up of the already existing tension in Warri and environs

The IYC Western Zone by this means, charges the UPU to refrain from its attempt to undermine the groundbreaking achievements of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited as a frontline army in the fight against illegal oil bunkering, oil theft and protection of oil facilities within its coverage areas.

We extend our calls to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore the calls from the UPU and all quarters to rescind Tantita's engagement based on the  competence and impeccable results the company has consistently produced, as this calls are born out of ethnic sentiments due to the management of TSSNL living up to its expectations. 

In fact, we call on the president to expand the scope of the running contract as Tantita's commitment to boosting the nation's oil production volumes is obviously unwavering. 

The council also extends its call to Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori - Executive Governor of Delta State to as a matter of urgency, intervene and douse the brewing tension in Warri and environs, particularly the coordinated attacks on well meaning Ijaws by it's Urhobo brothers and Itsekiri's alike.

Conclusively, we charge Tantita to remain resolute in its course to sustain the fight against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and its all-around impactful Corporate Social Responsibilities approach.

Signed:

Comrade Nicholas Igarama, Chairman IYC Western Zone

Barr. Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Secretary, IYC Western Zone

Comrade Tare Magbei

Information Officer, IYC Western Zone

Insp. Kenneth Opukeme: The stylish commendable officer making the Nigerian Police proud

By Esther Eugene

In a time when public trust in security institutions is fragile, one man stands tall, reshaping the narrative with grace, competence, and an unmistakable sense of style. Police Inspector Kenneth Opukeme is not just an officer of the law; he is an award-winning symbol of hope and excellence within the Nigerian Police Force.

With his distinguished record of service and unrelenting dedication to duty, Insp. Opukeme has carved a niche for himself as one of the most outstanding officers in the force. Whether on the parade ground or in high-risk field operations, his calm demeanor, sharp intelligence, and strategic thinking make him a model of what every Nigerian police officer should be.

 But beyond his tactical brilliance lies a man of elegance and charisma. Known across his division for his impeccable sense of style, Insp. Opukeme is often described as “the most stylish officer in uniform.” 

His neat dressing, confident posture, and humble composure are part of what endears him to the public and fellow officers alike. He proves daily that professionalism and personal presentation are not mutually exclusive. He is calm, gentle and calculative like the eagle when going for his target. He never misses his prey as a professional marksman during gun battles. Awarded for excellence in policing and community engagement, Insp. Kenneth Opukeme continues to redefine what it means to wear the uniform with pride and purpose. His commitment to fairness, justice, and discipline has earned him both accolades and admiration from superiors and subordinates. 

When asked the motivation behind his dedication and doggedness? Insp. Opukeme replied'' Our late father Opukeme was a disciplinarian. He instilled discipline and dedication  to duty and selfless humanity services in all his children. My elder brother, a UK trained reputable investigative journalist, Mr  Cletus Opukeme who lives in Delta state is a symbol of hope and  shining star in Nigerian journalism. In 2020, he was to be assassinated because of his discipline and dedication to duty  by  rejecting a huge millions bribe offered by politicians. He exposed the massive billions of naira looting in 2020 in Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC). That incident severely affected the Opukeme's family as we continued to pray for his life while he was hiding from place to place for fear of being killed. He has the opportunity to make a lot of money, if it were some other persons. Being disciplined and dedicated to duty is in our family DNA. My elder brother who is a journalist, Mr. Opukeme is not a policeman. But both of us fight crime in different ways. I fight crime with the gun, he fights crime with the pen. We are who we are from our late parents. I am very happy doing my job the way the job wants me to do it. That is my motivation in the police force. I want to seize this opportunity to thank God, it is not my power for the grace to do so I want to also thank authorities in the  Nigerian  police, all ex- IGPs, current IGP, all commissioners of police across the nation my Bayelsa state Commissioner of police , all my seniors and juniors  colleagues, peers who recognised my little contributions in the police force and to the  Nigerian government by honouring me. I will continue to do my best without fear or favour.'' He said.

Insp. Opukeme represents a new generation of Nigerian police officers—disciplined, humane, intelligent, and visionary. At a time when the force is in dire need of heroes, his story inspires not just younger officers but every Nigerian who still believes in a better system.

The Nigerian Police Force, and indeed the entire nation, is proud of men like Insp. Kenneth Opukeme. He is proof that when integrity meets style and service, the result is nothing short of greatness.

In the evolving landscape of Nigerian law enforcement, where dedication and integrity are in high demand, one name continues to rise above the rest—Police Inspector Kenneth Opukeme. A shining symbol of excellence, style, and service, Insp. Opukeme has not only won hearts across the nation but also earned rare commendations from top authorities in the force. 

His remarkable efforts in crime fighting have drawn the attention of no less than the former Inspector General police in 2015 during former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-IGP Police Suleiman Abba awarded him for his excellent performance in the Nigerian Police force.

Again, the current Commissioner of Police CP. Alonyenu Idu on the 2nd July, 2025, both of whom have officially commended him for his outstanding contribution to peace, security, and effective policing. Such recognition at the highest level of law enforcement is no small feat—it is a testimony to his professionalism, discipline, and relentless commitment to duty.

Presently Insp. Kenneth Opukeme is attached to Mopol 30 squadron,Yenagoa Bayelsa state command where his  services again were noticed by the  commissioner of police, Bayelsa State CP. Alonyenu Idu for this latest honour and award.

Beyond  the handsome and innocent dark face, there lies a dodged, rugged, fearless and  disciplined Nigerian Police officer in time of tactical operations as testified by his peers which earned him the love, admiration and honour/ award  by the police authorities. He has shown dedication, enthusiasm and love for his job. He has led both diligence and tactical operations with success. His combined squad operations  with the Joint Task Force (JTF)  from the Mobile Police Unit at the volatile  Northern Nigeria at the Sambisa forest in Borno State against terrorists and other  bandits across the nation earned him the swag of ''brutal and merciless officer'' during gun battle as a trained combatant.

Insp. Opukeme’s track record in curbing criminal activity within and beyond Bayelsa State is impressive. His sharp intelligence, tactical leadership, and results-driven operations have made him one of the most respected officers in his division. He is the kind of officer that restores public confidence in the Nigerian Police Force—a man whose actions speak louder than any slogan.

Beyond the badge and the bravery, however, lies a heart deeply committed to humanity. 

Known for his swift and selfless responses to highway accidents, Insp. Kenneth Opukeme has saved countless lives by offering immediate assistance to accident victims, even when off-duty with most times his personal income to save lives. His humanitarian services have touched families, communities, and travelers who were met with kindness when they needed it most.

And while his operational successes command respect, his personal style turns heads.

 Always neatly dressed, polished, and composed, Insp. Opukeme is widely admired as “the most stylish officer in uniform.” His appearance is a reflection of his inner discipline—a man who takes pride in his job, his uniform, and his duty to the nation.

From crime-fighting exploits to life-saving heroism and sartorial elegance, Insp. Kenneth Opukeme is indeed a rare gem in the Nigerian Police Force. He stands as an inspiration to his peers and a beacon of trust for the public.

As Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges, men like Inspector Opukeme remind us that with the right values, courage, and compassion, the police can truly be our friend.

Inspector Opukeme has rekindled hope within the rank and file of the men and women of the  Nigerian Police force as a beacon of hope and a game changer.

Just-ln: ltsekiri Nation Oppose Proposed Ijaw Toru-Ebe State Creation, Demand Warri State for llaje and Binis ..... Says State creation is based on ethnic affinity, not population or landmass, ltsekiri nation tell Senate

..... Says State creation is based on ethnic affinity, not population or landmass, ltsekiri nation tell Senate

The Itsekiri people of Warri Kingdom in Delta State have called on the Nigerian Senate to consider the creation of a Warri State with its capital in Warri township. The call was made during the South-South Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional amendment held by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

Represented by Chief Edward Ekpoko, Chairman of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), the Itsekiri also strongly opposed the Ijaw ethnic group’s proposal for the creation of a Toru-Ebe State, which they say includes ancestral lands belonging to the Itsekiri, the Ilaje of Ondo State, and the Binis of Edo State.

In a memorandum presented to the Senate, the Itsekiri stated that the Ijaw people are tenants on parts of the land they seek to include in the proposed Toru-Ebe State.

“There is no way a state created for customary tenants can control the landlords’ land,” the Itsekiri said. “The land belongs to the customary landlords, not the tenants.”

The group argued that state creation should not be based on landmass or population, but on ethnic and linguistic affinity. They expressed concerns about what they describe as long-standing political marginalisation, noting that despite contributing over 33% of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources, the Itsekiri have only one representative in the House of Representatives and two in the Delta State House of Assembly.

They also demanded the inclusion of a constitutional clause to protect minority ethnic groups, similar to provisions in the defunct Midwestern Nigeria Constitution.

“If minority protection is not guaranteed, then we are calling for the creation of Warri State,” the group said, proposing the new state be made up of Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West LGAs all part of the traditional Warri Kingdom.

The memorandum was jointly signed by leaders of the Itsekiri, Ilaje, and Bini ethnic nationalities, all of whom expressed strong objection to the Ijaw-led state proposal. They argued that the Ijaw claim undermines the identity and history of other Niger Delta communities.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who chaired the hearing, said the review aims to strengthen governance, equity, and justice across the country. Other stakeholders present included Senate President Godswill Akpabio and senators from the South-South region.