By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has concluded the distribution of laptops to final year beneficiaries of its scholarship scheme aimed at enhancing their academic research in universities across Nigeria.

The agency presented a total of 663 laptops to the beneficiaries in the 26 partnering and 72 non-partnering universities at the end of the exercise, which lasted between April and May 2025.

The PAP also carried out physical verification and orientation programme for the newly deployed 3,171 beneficiaries in the resumption list for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Various teams coordinated by the PAP’s Head of Education, Dr Charles Ariye, visited the schools to distribute the laptops to the beneficiaries and perform the verification and orientation programme.

Speaking on the laptops distribution, the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, reiterated that the decision was based on the realization of the usefulness of the mobile computing device to the students’ academic pursuit and overall success.

He said the gesture was in fulfillment of his promise to the scholarship beneficiaries during his tour of partnering universities in 2024.

While expressing optimism that the laptops would help the beneficiaries a great deal, Otuaro urged them to make good use of them and justify the government’s huge investment in their education.

He also said the physical verification and orientation programme was part of his leadership’s policy of due process, transparency and accountability to ensure a headcount of all beneficiaries, and enlighten the fresh beneficiaries on the PAP’s education policy.

Otuaro advised all PAP scholarship students to take their studies seriously and shun acts capable of putting their academic pursuit in jeopardy and ruining their bright future.

He restated his leadership’s unwavering commitment to implementing the programme’s objectives for the advancement of the Niger Delta and in support of President Bola Tinubu’s avowed commitment to the region’s peace, stability and development.

“We will continue to partner with the institutions and create access to university education for our youths, thereby reducing the human capital gap in the Niger Delta and contributing to national manpower development.

“This is also with a view to deepening efforts to ensure sustainable peace, stability and socio-economic growth in the region in line with the renewed hope agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR”, Otuaro said.

The PAP helmsman expressed profound appreciation to the president for his massive support for the programme, noting that it demonstrates his undiluted love for the Niger Delta and the youths in particular.

By David Owei, Bayelsa

The Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, has emphasized the significance of the media in promoting good governance.

He made this assertion on Friday while presenting a paper titled “Setting a Media Agenda for Assured Prosperity.”

Professor Ayawei highlighted the importance of promoting indigenous perspectives, reminding the audience of the origins of journalism in Nigeria, particularly the role of Reverend Henry Townsend.

He stressed that the government has a responsibility to create and sustain a sociopolitical environment where citizens feel safe, citing Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

Furthermore, he noted that mass communication agencies—across print, electronic, and new media—play a crucial role in holding the government accountable, as provided under Section 22 of the Constitution.

Speaking on the theme of “Assured Prosperity,” Professor Ayawei referenced Governor Douye Diri’s vision, unveiled last year in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the Governor assured citizens of his administration’s deliberate efforts in implementing development programs and projects.

Professor Ayawei also emphasized the need for media practitioners to possess the necessary tools, education, professional training, and analytical skills to effectively monitor and comment on government actions.

Reacting to question on why political appointees shy away from responding to journalists requests for confirmation of stories and interviews, he said ” Report to me any commissioner who refused to respond or grant you interviews”

Also presenting a paper titled “Telling the Bayelsa Story in Contemporary Media,” Professor Barclays Ayakoroma, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, represented by Dr. Tan Gordon Azorbo, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Cultural Administration, highlighted the role of mass communication.

According to him Mass communication—defined as the process of imparting and exchanging information through various media platforms—also involves understanding the concept of culture, which encompasses the totality of life.

He concluded by reiterating that the media plays a vital role in promoting good governance across all levels of society, acting as a watchdog and holding those in positions of authority accountable.