By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has said that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the significant achievements recorded by the agency in the Niger Delta in about two years.

He spoke at the flag-off of the fourth batch of the two-day “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders” organised by the agency in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Monday.

The PAP had in July and August 2025 successfully conducted a similar capacity-building workshop for three batches of its stakeholders at the same military facility.

Otuaro, who said the President is delighted with the agency’s expanded scholarship scheme, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta, urged stakeholders to maintain their position as key players in the region’s peace and development.

According to him, His Excellency, President Tinubu is very supportive of the programme because of his strong desire for the region to enjoy sustainable peace, stability and development.

He reiterated that the workshop is a vital component of the PAP’s peace process with all stakeholders as important partners in the peace initiative.

He stressed that the participants are not only partners for peace, but also the President’s peace ambassadors.

The PAP boss also applauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic support to strengthen the programme’s initiatives and enable it to achieve the intended objectives for the people of the region.

While declaring the workshop open, Otuaro said, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is very happy with what we have achieved so far in one year and nine months. As stakeholders, you should continue to be key players in the peace and development of the Niger Delta, which His Excellency has been very supportive of and desirous of.

“The objective behind this training is to ensure that all of us are partners in every peace effort in the Niger Delta. This initiative is also to give you a sense of belonging.

“When we organised this workshop in July and August this year, we assured stakeholders that more people would also participate in the training. We don’t want to do the PAP’s work alone. It is a process of putting our heads together to ensure that the region is peaceful and united. When we are united, Mr President will do more for the region.

“We must also realise that peace starts from our communities; you all are leaders in your own rights. I know and acknowledge the support that the Office has received since we came on board. This leadership workshop is part of our peacebuilding process and is designed to ensure that peace is sustained in our region.

“Since we came on board, we have redirected the Programme towards our people and for the next generation. We have achieved a lot. This 2025-2026 academic session, we have sent 4,500 students, our future leaders, on scholarships to universities within Nigeria. We are doing this to invest in the future of our region.”

Otuaro said that his leadership would not be distracted by the smear campaign of some anti-Niger Delta elements who were angry that the programme had been taken to the people of the region, saying “nobody will hold the region to ransom.”

He further urged stakeholders not to be manipulated by political merchants, but to massively support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid because of his clear agenda for the region.

Otuaro enjoined the stakeholders to participate actively in the workshop and utilise the lessons they would gain to strengthen peace and development in their communities and the Niger Delta in general.

He also expressed appreciation to the management of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, resource persons, and the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor (retd.), for partnering with the PAP to deepen the peace process in the region.

By Our Correspondent

The Bayelsa state government announces with deep regret and profound shock the sudden passing of the deputy governor, his excellency senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, Ph.D., on thursday, 11th december 2025, at the age of 60.

In a press statement issued by the commissioner for information, orientation and strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyei, it was revealed that the deputy governor was active and engaged in official duties earlier in the day.

While proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office he suddenly collapsed and was immediately transported to the federal medical centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed deceased.

His untimely demise is not only deeply painful but also represents a significant loss to the government, the people of Bayelsa state, and the nation at large, senator Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished and dedicated public,servant .

Furthermore he served with distinction prior to his tenure as deputy governor, he made remarkable contributions as commissioner for works and Infrastructure, and as Senator representing Bayelsa west senatorial district,he served faithfully as deputy governor since 2020, leaving an indelible legacy of commitment and service.

Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa state, extends heartfelt condolences to his wife, her excellency Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni federated community, his excellency senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and all citizens of the state.

Consequently, his excellency senator Douye Diri has declared a period of state mourning for three working days in honour of the late Deputy Governor, beginning today, Friday, 12th December 2025. All flags are to fly at half mast during this period as a mark of respect.

The Governor further prays for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire state. May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.

BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has sworn in 30 commissioners, 25 elected council chairmen and their vice chairmen, as well as board members, urging them to play key roles in achieving his administration’s New Niger Agenda.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Hauwa Wali Multi-purpose Hall in Government House, Minna. The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, was represented by Justice Maimuna Abubakar of High Court 6, who administered the oath of office and allegiance.

Governor Bago said the appointees were carefully selected based on their proven track records, expressing confidence that they will give their best to move the state forward. He encouraged them to learn from past experiences and work towards building a sustainable, prosperous, and fair Niger State.

In his address, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, urged the new office holders to be committed to their responsibilities, noting that their performance is crucial to the success of the New Niger Agenda. He added that a strategic retreat had been organised to align them with the administration’s collective vision and set clear expectations.

The newly sworn-in board members are from the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, the Secondary Education Board, and the Law Reform Commission.
Some of the appointees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work diligently for the full realisation of the New Niger Agenda.