By David Owei,Bayelsa

The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has successfully come to a close Friday on a commendable note.

The intensive leadership-building initiative, held under the distinguished leadership of the Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, aimed to equip leaders with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict resolution—critical tools for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.

Reacting to the successful completion of the programme, General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside his national leadership, congratulated the participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the training.

General Elaye commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership and strategic direction, which is rapidly changing the dynamics of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, shifting it towards human capital development and long-term peace.

He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for reinforcing grassroots leadership and consolidating the peace already being enjoyed in the region.

> “This training is not just a success for the 2nd Phase; it is a win for the entire Niger Delta. The wisdom of High Chief Otuaro in investing in leadership and conflict resolution will continue to bear fruit,” General Elaye stated.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to champion developmental engagements that bridge gaps, empower beneficiaries, and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche made the submission during a visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in Minna.

Of recent, many Nigerians have been apprehended with cache of arms and ammunitions meant for delivery to bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.

This has raised questions as to why some individuals will willingly allow themselves to be used as couriers of illegal weapons to criminals.

The Zonal Director, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche said lack sensitisation on dangers of such acts and intelligence from people are contributing to the spread of arms.

He observed that porous or poorly managed borders and activities of local fabricators who manufacture guns are other sources of weapons proliferation that the Centre is trying to address.

Mr Adamu Enenche who solicited the support of members of the NUJ to enable the Centre to achieve its objectives, promised to synergize with other sister agencies.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu expressed optimism that there would be great reduction of criminal activities once the issue of small arms are resolved.

Comrade Nmodu urged the Centre to be open for collaboration with the Union especially in the area of training members on it’s activities.

Across section of members of the Union who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to deploy officers of the Centre to the grassroots for easy intelligence gathering.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

A Corps members, Corps member Brown Ofeome Ebubechukwu (BY/24B/2451), has renovated a four class room block and staff office at Community Primary School Swali in Yenagoa Local Government area of Bayelsa State.

According to the Corps members, the project initially began as a campaign against cultism in select primary and secondary schools.

He said “However, upon encountering the poor state of learning environments, I was inspired to take on a more tangible intervention—renovating the classroom block of the school.”

” In addition to the infrastructural work, I also organized medical outreach for NYSC officials, distributed exercise books to 200 pupils, and empowered local women through vocational trainings”.

He expressed gratitude to all supporters, individuals and organizations, who contributed in cash, kind, and presence.

The State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, described it as a perfect example of Community Development Service ( CDS) project.

Mrs Okpalifo Charity, after commissioning the project, stated that the NYSC always encourages corps members to leave lasting legacies in their host communities.

She emphasized that although many corps members are willing to make impact, lack of funding often poses a barrier.

She praised Brown’s resourcefulness and called on all stakes holders to begin supporting youth-led community projects.

The State Coordinator also charged the Swali community to safeguard the project, promote a culture of maintenance, and inspire further development through local leadership.

She prayed for Brown’s continued success and urged other corps members to find inspiration in his example.

Also speaking, the Head of Community Development Service Branch, Mrs Kosy Ifekudu, who gave a background on the project’s conception, noted that it was borne out of Corps Member Brown’s passion for community impact and lauded the vision behind the initiative.

According to her, “this project is not just a structure, but a statement of purpose.”

The Community Development Chairman of Swali community , Hon. James Isaiah Gbenizibe described the project as unprecedented and expressed deep appreciation with a promise that the community would ensure the security and maintenance of the facility.

In his comment, the Executive Assistant (EA) to the Governor on NYSC Matters, Dr. Wisdom Poyeri on behalf of the state government commended the corps members for such a land mark project.

He described him as “an uncommon citizen” whose thoughtful and empathetic project reflects the leadership potential in Nigeria’s youth.”

The EA also encouraged other corps members to emulate the selfless example, emphasizing that society calls upon young people to fill existing gaps with bold solutions.