The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Ejinyere’s two years of impactful leadership at WUEDA

    Ejinyere’s two years of impactful leadership at WUEDA

    Hon. Prince Godwin Eguriase Ejinyere, Director General of the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), has in just two years demonstrated purposeful leadership anchored on vision, action, and service. A strong advocate of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, Ejinyere has become a key driver in the push to restore Warri, Uvwie, and the surrounding areas as Delta State’s economic hub.

    With a background spanning over a decade as an engineer at Chevron Nigeria Ltd, a former Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, and the immediate past Executive Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Ejinyere has consistently combined competence and experience with a passion for service. This wealth of administrative and professional grounding now defines his work at WUEDA, where he oversees strategic development initiatives across Delta’s urban centers.

    True to leadership expert Warren Bennis’ words that “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality,” Ejinyere has not only embraced Governor Oborevwori’s vision but has also translated it into tangible infrastructure projects that directly impact communities.

    One of WUEDA’s most notable interventions under Ejinyere is the aggressive flood control programme in Effurun/Warri (Phase III) and around Warri Stadium. These projects have eased a decades-long challenge, safeguarding homes and businesses while restoring public confidence in government efforts.

    In addition, Ejinyere has overseen the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and construction of several strategic roads across Warri South and Uvwie. From the NNPC Housing Complex Road and Ugboroke Housing Estate internal roads to Aya Street in Effurun, Ajuyah Street in Warri, and Edukugho Street off Iyara Road, his imprint is visible in projects that are reshaping urban mobility, easing traffic congestion, and boosting economic activity.

    WUEDA

    Notable Completed and Ongoing Projects Include: Flood Control Measures in Effurun/Warri and Environs (Phase III), Uvwie and Warri South LGAs; Flood Control Measures in Warri Stadium and Environs; Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Princess Abaje/Mike Dottie/Isaac Botosan & Creekview Layout Road, Ugbuwangue; Construction of Ogbe Avenue Road Extension, Effurun; Reconstruction of Aya Street by Praise Center, Effurun; Asphalt Overlay of Ugboroke Housing Estate Internal Roads, Uvwie; Widening of NNPC Housing Complex Road and overlay of Ekpan Link Road, Uvwie; Construction of Akekere, Ajuyah, Akpiri/Ebrawinoro, and Onokewe Streets in Warri and Effurun; Rehabilitation and Asphalt Overlay of Efejuku Road, Deco Road, Warri; Rehabilitation of Edukugho and Etuwewe Roads, Warri South.

    These projects, spread across multiple communities, underline Ejinyere’s commitment to improving lives through infrastructure renewal. Beyond concrete and asphalt, they represent improved livelihoods, restored investor confidence, and renewed urban aesthetics.

    Though just two years into his tenure, Ejinyere’s stewardship at WUEDA signals a brighter future for Warri, Uvwie, and environs. His dedication to Governor Oborevwori’s development agenda continues to drive transformation, proving that leadership is measured not by position but by results.

    As Warri, Uvwie, and environs continue their journey back to becoming the economic pride of Delta State, one name will stand tall in the chronicles of this rebirth, Hon. Prince Godwin Eguriase Ejinyere, noble Prince of Okpe Kingdom, who has proven that leadership, indeed, is action and not a position.

  • Foundation preaches peace, tolerance, respect among youths in Niger Delta

    Foundation preaches peace, tolerance, respect among youths in Niger Delta

    The Boyloaf Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has called for the promotion of peace and values of tolerance, respect, and empathy among the youths in the Niger Delta, especially the boy child.

    The foundation, dedicated to non-violent advocacy and the protection of the boy child, in partnership with Miss Peace Organisation and with the support of the Bayelsa State Government, brought children and other stakeholders together to celebrate the International Day of Peace with a theme, “Little Hands Big Dreams”.

    The children showcased their talents in arts, poetry, speech-making, Afro dance, drama, catwalk for peace, paintings, music, among others.

    The event, which brought various young people from secondary schools, Boys Brigade, and other youth organisations, was part of the activities of the foundation to advocate sustainable peace and to take a collective stance against crime and violence.

    In his keynote address, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado, commended the foundation, saying the event would promote peace in the region.

    He extolled the contributions of Victor-Ben Ebikabowei, popularly known as “General Boyloaf” and owner of the foundation, in the enthronement of peace in the Niger Delta.

    Read Also: Verification of disputed oil, gas fields in Niger Delta kicks off

    Kemepado advised young people to shun violence and embrace peace and, more importantly, remain focused on pursuing their dreams.

    He said that the Bayelsa State Government would soon launch a comprehensive youth policy designed to encourage active participation of youths in community development, governance, and decision-making processes.

    “We aim to foster a sense of civic responsibility and leadership among young people”, Kemepado said.

    In her welcome address, the Miss Peace Niger Delta, Miss Ockiya Ayibanengimote, highlighted the roles of parents in instilling values in their children.

    “If our children grow up learning to tolerate differences, respect others, and show empathy, then we are raising a generation that will not only desire peace but also know how to protect it, he said.

    The Director-General, Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development, commended the Boyloaf Foundation for its consistency in peace advocacy and human development.

    He said the vision of the foundation was in line with the Prosperity Administration Governor Douye Diri’s policy of inclusion, building trust, and creating opportunities for people to leave harmoniously.

    He said embracing dialogue, reconciliation, and non-violent approaches to resolve disputes and prioritising youth empowerment remained the key to sustainable peace.

    In his vote of thanks, the Coordinator of the event, Mr Seleipre Tonbie, recalled the courage of General Boyloaf on the 6th of August 2009 to lead 31 commanders of the then Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) to Abuja to seal the Amnesty deal that restored peace in the Niger Delta.

    He recalled that at the meeting, Boyloaf said:  ‘’If the government refuses to develop the region and continue in marginalization and injustices, the youths coming after us will be more brutal than us.

    He said it was in response to this looming danger that gave birth to the Boyloaf Foundation and the Boy Child Project.

    Tonbie said, “Boyloaf’s bold decision to step away from violence and embrace peace inspired many others. This act of reconciliation has been immortalized in cultural consciousness and even reflected in Barrister Smooth’s song ‘Amnesty’ and in Burna Boy’s song ‘Monsters you made’ featuring Chris Martins.

    “These events led to the establishment of the presidential Amnesty programme, and one of the programmes of the PAP is the scholarship scheme for impacted communities.

    “A window of opportunity has presented itself to the people of our region via the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and it calls for restructuring of the process, to enable thousands of our people to benefit from the scheme.”

    Tonbie thanked the stakeholders, students, youth organisations, Dr Joan Filatei, founder of the Children Development Foundation, and Z Okoya Ogoniba, CEO of Events by Ozee, Moses Marlon, and Aze Dickson for attending the event and appreciated the support of the Bayelsa State Government.

    The PGR Entertainment Theatre for education project featured a dance drama, the Orupabo cultural display, which highlighted a message of hope and a peaceful world using dance and drama.

    The event also featured a catwalk for peace by Finnie Couture, which added elegance and style to the programme.

  • Oborevwori urges peace, unity in Warri, warns against social media incitement

    Oborevwori urges peace, unity in Warri, warns against social media incitement

    Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on leaders and elders of Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to shun divisive tendencies and embrace peace.

    He said that unity remains the only path to sustainable development in Warri and Delta State at large.

    Speaking at the funeral service of the late Mrs. Grace Agbolayah at the African Church, Central Missionary Diocese, Warri, the Governor warned against the misuse of social media to fuel the crisis and spread falsehood.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Warri, noting that as governor, he would not take sides but serve the interests of all Deltans.

    “In all, what we need is unity. I have witnessed a crisis and I know its consequences. People are using social media to cause problems; this must stop. I want to develop Warri because this is my home, and some of the young people today have not enjoyed the Warri we experienced back then,” Oborevwori said.

    Recalling his personal experience during a past crisis, he revealed that his father’s house in Igoruwe was spared from destruction simply because it bore the inscription, ‘Sheriff Papa House’, while neighbouring homes were razed.

    He described the incident as a lesson on the devastating impact of conflict on communities.

    The Governor, who declared “Warri dey sweet me for body,” emphasized his deep connection to the city, adding that he has no other home outside Warri.

    “I am a man with street credibility and local content, not from the diaspora. Now that I am Governor, I am a Governor for all, and I will not take sides,” he stressed.

    Read Also: NGO tasks Oborevwori on enactment of Whistleblower Protection Bill 2024

    Oborevwori reaffirmed his resolve to fast-track development across the state, assuring that he would not disappoint Deltans.

    “I want to do more for Deltans. I don’t want to fail. I will continue to show love to the people and deep respect for our leaders,” he added.

    He urged critics to exercise restraint, particularly those outside the state who attempt to sow seeds of discord.

    He also called on parents and guardians to caution their children against misusing social media for hate campaigns.

     Paying tribute to the late Mrs. Agbolayah, the Governor described her as a shining example of faith, integrity, and commitment to family.

    “Mama came, saw, and conquered. She served God faithfully and raised her children well, with one now a bishop. My prayer is that the wisdom with which Mama raised you will also guide you in raising your children,” he said.

    Earlier, His Eminence Julius Olayinka Abbe, Primate of the African Church, in a sermon titled “Fight a Good Fight” from II Timothy 4:7, urged Christians to live as beacons of peace and integrity in a world filled with darkness.

    He admonished believers to be nation-builders, steadfast in faith, and accountable to God.

    The funeral service was attended by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, members of the State Executive Council, and other top government functionaries.

  • First Lady, Delta governor’s wife lifts 1,000 Delta traders with N50m grant

    First Lady, Delta governor’s wife lifts 1,000 Delta traders with N50m grant

    …as Senator Tinubu commends Elumelu’s foundation over N1bn donation

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), on Friday launched the Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Asaba, Delta State, to boost the entrepreneurial capacities of women.

    Represented by Delta State First Lady and founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation (YMCF), Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, Mrs. Tinubu noted that the programme recognises the crucial role women play as traders and small business owners in driving economic growth and supporting families.

    At the event, 500 beneficiaries received N50,000 each from RHI, while another 500 women got the same amount from YMCF, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 1,000.

    Senator Tinubu explained that the funds, unlike loans, are non-repayable grants designed to help women recapitalise and expand their businesses without the burden of repayment.

    Backed by a N1 billion donation from the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the initiative targets 18,500 women nationwide, with 500 women in each of the 36 states and the FCT expected to benefit.

    She said the programme underscores confidence in the potential of women-led businesses to drive sustainable economic progress across the country.

    The First Lady said that by reinforcing the existing businesses of these women, the programme aims not only to provide immediate financial aid but also to foster long-term economic stability and community development.

    She highlighted that this initiative reflects a strong commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment, positioning women as crucial stakeholders in the nation’s development journey.

    Read Also: First Lady mourns victims of Afriland Towers fire

    Senator Tinubu highlighted, “I am delighted to be here to flag off the Women Economic Empowerment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in conjunction with the Tony Elumelu Foundation in Delta State.

    “This economic empowerment programme is about supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our women traders and small-scale business owners who wake up each day determined to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.

    “Let me emphasize that this is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalize your existing businesses. It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.

    “I thank the TEF, which donated N1b to the RHI, to directly support 18,500 women across the nation. Five hundred women from each of the 36 states and the FCT will be receiving N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalize their existing small businesses.

    “I will be presenting the sum of N50,000 each to some of the pre-selected 500 beneficiaries at this event today. I thank the Tony Elumelu Foundation once again for this support. May this act of generosity inspire many more across our nation.”

    The First Lady also thanked the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his amiable wife, Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for all their support in executing all the programmes of the RHI.

    “At this juncture, to the glory of God, I hereby flag off the Renewed Hope Initiative/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme for the benefit of the good people of this State,” she stated.

    Reading the address of the First Lady of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori at the event, the wife of the state Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, said the beneficiaries were carefully selected for the programme.

    Mrs Oborevwori said the selection reflected inclusivity, which is in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.

    She urged the beneficiaries to use the grants wisely and assist their families to become pillars of strength.

    The governor’s wife further urged them to build a Delta State and nation where peace and unity are renewed for all.

  • Ex-Militants back Tompolo’s door-to-door campaign ahead of 2027

    Ex-Militants back Tompolo’s door-to-door campaign ahead of 2027

    Ex-militants from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Ondo states have declared their support for the recently launched President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Door-to-Door Campaign spearheaded by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

    The ex-militants, who pledged to campaign and vote in line with Tompolo’s directives, made the declaration in Benin City during the inauguration of the national executives of Phase 3 of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), led by General Godstime Ogidigba.

    They also vowed to continue supporting security agencies and Tantita Security Services Limited in maintaining peace across the Niger Delta region.

    Speaking at the event, General Ogidigba assured that Phase 3 members would contribute to sustaining Nigeria’s oil production and pledged to unite aggrieved members under the programme.

    He further commended the Administrator of the PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, describing him as the best administrator to have led the scheme. According to him, Otuaro restored several benefits previously denied to ex-agitators since assuming office.

    He said, “As ex-agitators, our loyalty is to Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, because what we are benefiting today is because of his steadfastness, persistence, and consistency. And I want to make it clear that we are joining Tompolo’s door-to-door campaign to make sure Tinubu returns to the Villa.

    Read Also: Kemepadei, Tompolo, PAP coordinator launch voter sensitisation, empowerment drive in Niger Delta

    “We are also poised to work with Tompolo’s Tantita Security outfit to protect our oil infrastructure from oil thieves. We will support Tompolo by reaching out to some of our brothers who are still interested in doing some scanty bunkering because most of the people bursting the pipeline here, and some people were not captured during the amnesty program.

    “I know many of them who surrender their arms and were not documented got angry and resort to bunkering because they see it as their national cake. Over time, I have been talking to them, and they said nothing is coming to them. Now that I am the National Chairman, it will be easy for me to tell them that a new dawn has come and our father Tompolo has changed things.

    “Since Tompolo’s Tantita took over, the production of oil has increased, and sometimes we beat OPEC quarter, but that does not mean we have a hundred percent security in the area of pipeline”.

    Other members of the Phase Three. Amnesty national executives are Gen. Godwin Governor, Gen.Akpos Jericho, Gen Oyin Bolowei, Gen. Eniyekenimi, Gen Francis Akpohoro, Gen. Don Oney, Gen. Biboye Wilberforce, and Gen. Jokpa Emovon.

  • Delta dress code: Lawyer urges Delta NLC to provide alternative, lauds Govt

    Delta dress code: Lawyer urges Delta NLC to provide alternative, lauds Govt

    Notable Rights lawyer in Delta state, Ikimi Oghenejabor has called on the Delta State Chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to proffer solutions to the government’s review of civil servants dressing.

    Ikimi, during a telephone conversation with The Nation in Warri, Sunday, affirmed that the state government was on track to ensure discipline among its workers.

    He said the state government, as employer, should dictate how its employees ought to dress and not the other way round, flaying comments attributed to the State NLC chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofoburuku.

    According to reports, Ofoburuku had said the Union was not consulted before the State Government issued the directive to workers, and workers were not well paid enough to afford suits and other dress codes handed down, given the tough economic times.

    He further assured workers that anyone found culpable by the government would be protected by the NLC.

    But Ikimi insisted that the union should provide solutions, maintaining that the directive bore no infringement on the fundamental human rights of the workers.

    Ikimi said: “The state government is the employer of labour, there is nothing wrong with what the government is doing. I support it. It is just to instill discipline into the civil service. The employer of Labour is saying this is how I want you to dress. This is what we had in those days. In public service, there was always this dress code we grew up to know, this shirt and tie, so also is the women. These long nails and growing of beard and painting of hair, these are not known to the conservative civil service we inherited from the British people. 

    Read Also: PAPBEF applauds Otuaro as 140 Niger Delta scholars depart for UK postgraduate studies

    “So if the governmeny says they want to maintain standard, they want to maintain discipline, I support it. You see the way improper dressing is in the society, it has eaten deep into the civil service.

    “A state or a country where there is lawlessness, if you try to be law-abiding, it is regarded as lawlessness, so this lawlessness in the civil service has taken years and has grown. If the state government is trying to remove improper dressing, and people are looking at it as unlawful, it is not unlawful. 

    “What the State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is doing, it is not trying to protect the workers. They cannot tell me they don’t have money to sew a clean suit, buy a clean shirt and tie and trousers. That Government should provide money for them to do this, and that is wrong. The NLC should wake up and do the right thing. I have not seen the solution they have brought up to address the improper dressing in the civil service. They are only saying they were not consulted. Now that you know, what is the solution to improper dressing?”

  • Otuaro tackling educational gaps in N’Delta, says Ex-IYC chairman

    Otuaro tackling educational gaps in N’Delta, says Ex-IYC chairman

    The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Burutu Otuaro, has been commended for tackling the ‘long-neglected educational gaps’ among the teeming youths of the Niger Delta region.

    The immediate past chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone (Delta, Edo, and Ondo states), Doubra Okotete, gave the commendation in a statement made available to reporters in Warri, Monday.

    According to him, the Otuaro-led PAP has not only revived the original vision of the programme by addressing the long-standing educational deficiencies in neglected creek communities, but also made giant strides in peace-building in the oil-rich region.

    Okotete also extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing Otuaro, describing him as “a round peg in a round hole” whose leadership has already produced a measurable impact.

    Describing the efforts so far carried out by the Amnesty office as “wonderful and “impactful,” the ex-IYC leader said, “His administration has been particularly outstanding in the area of peace-building across the Niger Delta region, as well as in addressing the long-neglected educational gaps that have held back many impoverished communities, especially those across the creeks of the Niger Delta states and beyond,” Okotete said.

    He praised Otuaro’s commitment to human capital development, citing the sponsorship of over 250 students for postgraduate studies abroad and the enrollment of hundreds more in academic and vocational institutions across Nigeria.

    “It is evident that Dr. Otuaro’s vision and leadership are in direct alignment with the founding template of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, as conceived and declared by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. His initiatives have breathed new life into the original goals of the PAP, transforming it into a tool of empowerment, reconciliation, and sustainable development.

    Read Also: Ijaw group defends PAP boss Otuaro, alleges ethnic sentiments 

    “Notably, under his leadership, over 250 students have been sponsored abroad for postgraduate studies in crucial academic fields at reputable international universities. At the same time, hundreds of others are currently enrolled in postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational, and skill acquisition programs across leading institutions in Nigeria. This commitment to human capital development is laudable and speaks volumes about his dedication to equipping Niger Delta youths with the tools for a better and more responsible future,” the statement said.

    The former IYC leader urged PAP beneficiaries to remain disciplined and focused, while calling on critics to “retrace their steps” and support the administration’s peace and development agenda.

    “I call for greater support and unity behind the PAP administration, while advising those who selfishly seek to undermine or attack the progress being made to retrace their steps. Instead, they should join forces with the current leadership in advancing the good works of this administration for the collective peace, stability, and development of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole,” Okotete concluded.

    Since assuming office in 2023, Otuaro has shown commitment to educational empowerment, conflict resolution, and sustainable development among ex-agitators and other stakeholders in the region.

  • PAP seeks employment opportunities for 18000 trained ex-agitators, beneficiaries

    PAP seeks employment opportunities for 18000 trained ex-agitators, beneficiaries

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has sought the partnership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for employment opportunities for some of the 18,000 trained ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NCC in Abuja, Dr Aminu Maida, the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, said that the commission’s support would help the scheme’s post-training empowerment scheme.

    Otuaro said there were ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme with the requisite qualifications and skills that the commission could employ to enable them to contribute to national growth and development.

    He said many of them had completed their formal educational and vocational training in relevant fields as part of the PAP’s effort at human capacity development.

    Otuaro, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, described them as potential human resources that could be harnessed for the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta and the country.

    He said, “We are on a mission to seek support and collaboration with government agencies like the NCC to see how some of them can be engaged so that they can contribute their quota to national development.

    Read Also: PAPBEF applauds Otuaro as 140 Niger Delta scholars depart for UK postgraduate studies

    “The whole scope of the programme centres on national and human security, where the beneficiaries are trained in formal education and vocational skills, including information technology. Many people have been trained in various professional fields.

    “So far, we have over 18000 persons who have been trained. These are potential human resources that should be harnessed for national development. By the design of the programme, we have the post-training, employment, and empowerment component.

    “So we have an army of human resources that will contribute to national growth when engaged. We also have persons with doctorates of philosophy (PhDs) that can be easily engaged, and that is the essence of the human capacity development that we carry out.”

    In his remarks, the NCC boss expressed the commission’s commitment to providing support and equal opportunities to people without bias, stressing that there should also be evidence of value from interventions.

    Maida said the commission was poised to carry out its mandate as a regulatory agency while ensuring access to digital connectivity by all citizens.

    He, however, called for infrastructure security against vandalism to protect digital assets and sustain digital connectivity across the country.

  • N/Delta coalition lauds Tantita security as crude oil losses hit 16-year low

    N/Delta coalition lauds Tantita security as crude oil losses hit 16-year low

    The Niger-Delta Environmental Justice Coalition has praised Tantita Security Services Limited for its pivotal role in curbing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, following a Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) report that revealed daily crude oil losses have dropped to a 16-year low of 9,600 barrels per day (bpd) as of July 2025.

    In a statement issued in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, coalition spokesman Comrade Abalagha Adawari hailed Tantita’s operatives for their bravery and dedication in safeguarding critical oil pipelines despite constant threats to their lives.

    “The personnel of Tantita Security Services have risked their lives to combat notorious oil bunkers in the Niger Delta,” Adawari said.

    “The NUPRC report is a testament to their relentless efforts in reducing crude oil theft to its lowest level since 2009.”

    According to the NUPRC, crude oil losses due to theft and metering inaccuracies have plummeted to 9,600 bpd, a significant improvement from the high-loss years that have long plagued Nigeria’s oil industry. Between January and July 2025, total losses amounted to 2.04 million barrels, averaging 9,600 bpd over the seven-month period. This marks the lowest loss rate since 2009, when daily losses reached a record low of 8,500 bpd.

    The coalition attributed this progress to Tantita’s strategic interventions and deep knowledge of the Niger Delta’s terrain, which have proven instrumental in tackling oil theft. “Tantita’s operatives are uniquely equipped to address this challenge,” Adawari noted. “Their efforts have brought about a remarkable turnaround for Nigeria’s upstream oil sector.”

    The coalition urged the Tinubu administration to sustain its support for Tantita’s initiatives and warned against allowing saboteurs to derail the progress made.

    “Continued collaboration between the government and Tantita is essential to eliminating crude oil losses and securing a prosperous future for Nigeria’s oil industry,” Adawari emphasized.

    The NUPRC report highlights the importance of sustained efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, a critical driver of the nation’s economy. As Tantita Security Services continues its fight against oil theft, stakeholders remain optimistic that these gains will bolster Nigeria’s oil production and revenue in the years ahead.

  • PAP sends 142 beneficiaries for foreign postgraduate scholarship in the UK

    PAP sends 142 beneficiaries for foreign postgraduate scholarship in the UK

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has sent 142 qualified beneficiaries on foreign educational scholarships carefully designed to deepen, enhance, and broaden the human capacity needs of the Niger Delta Region and the country in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    The PAP Administrator, Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, disclosed that beneficiaries of the all-expenses-paid scholarship programme in the United Kingdom were not only qualified but also carefully selected from a rigorous process for quality contributions to industry demands relevant to the accelerated development of the region and country.

    Otuaro spoke at the orientation ceremony held for the departing beneficiaries at the Headquarters of PAP in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday.

    “What we are doing today is a deliberate effort to take Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to our people. Last year, when we came on board, the mandate was to take this Programme to the people at the grassroots and to the people in the communities.

    “If you put the number of beneficiaries today together, about 142, all of them are going for postgraduate studies. We know that when they go and come back, they will add serious value to our communities, nation, and human capacity in the region. In that case, they will contribute any knowledge they have back home to our region.

    Read Also: 5,000 Itsekiri graduates of Novena Varsity not part of scholarship beneficiaries – PAP

    “We also have other aspects of the Programme. But this educational aspect is in professional courses. It is not an all-comers’ affair. In the areas where we know we can do postgraduate programmes in Nigeria, we are doing them within our country. In terms of the selection process, it is based on qualification and industry demand for the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria,” Chief Otuaro, who promised to do more for the Niger Delta people, explained.

    The orientation ceremony particularly involved related talks and advice on conduct, tasks, and challenges ahead of the students, many of whom have never travelled outside the shores of Nigeria before.

    In one of such important talks, titled: Diplomatic Security Implications, Head of Nigeria Military Police and former Military Attaché to Nigeria High Commission in Ghana, The Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. M. O. Erebulu admonished the students to be of good conduct.

    “What we are doing today reminds us of the history of this Programme. For the first time, we are having a huge number of students like these going out of the country. PAP has impacted the lives of the people of the Niger Delta.

    “Our conduct over there is very important. What you do and get away with at home, you can’t get away with over there.

    “You’re carrying the flag of the country. So, you’re an ambassador of this country. When you’re caught with drugs, the first reaction is that you’re a Nigerian. Abstain from drugs. Don’t wait until your passport expires before renewal. Anything about your visa, do it on time,” Erebulu stated.

    In his important talk, titled: The Cultural and Social Dynamics of Studying in the UK and Europe, the Technical Assistant to the PAP Administrator, Mr. Edgar Bio, urged the students to work hard for academic excellence.

    Mr. Bio said, “With regards to your obligations as students, see yourselves as beneficiaries of this Programme. Think of what you can give back or do for your country, the Niger Delta, and your community.

    “The laws of the country where you’re going to study, keep and obey them. Keep away from drugs.

    “There is what is called over there as conditional rape. Your spoken language, social culture, and conduct must be restrained. You must focus on your education.”

    Other speakers included PAP Head of Education, Dr. Charles Ariye, who spoke on the Academic Dynamics of Studying in the UK, and PAP Assistant Head of Education, Mr. Anthony Okon, who spoke on PAP’s Responsibilities to Beneficiaries.

    The beneficiaries are made up of two batches of 71 students each. The ceremony concluded with a group photograph that followed questions and answers, as well as an affirmation of acceptance of the scholarship terms and conditions by all beneficiaries.