The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring sustained peace and stability across the Niger Delta, describing the current calm in the region as one of the key achievements of the administration.
Dr. Otuaro made this known in Abuja on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Chief Executive Officer of GbaramatuVoice, Mr. Jacob Abai, who officially informed the Presidential Amnesty Office of the upcoming GbaramatuVoice 10th Anniversary Lecture and Niger Delta Night of Honor, scheduled to take place on August 27 and 28, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, the PAP boss expressed satisfaction with the peacebuilding efforts championed by the current administration, noting that the stable environment has allowed for the effective implementation of key development initiatives in the region.
“Under the watch of Mr. President, the Niger Delta has remained peaceful. This is not by coincidence. It is a product of deliberate engagement, inclusive policies, and sustained collaboration with stakeholders across the region,” Otuaro said.
He noted that the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which was originally established to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate ex-agitators, has evolved into a robust human development platform, creating opportunities through education, enterprise development, and vocational training.
“We have thousands of ex-agitators and Niger Delta youths who are now university graduates, skilled professionals, and successful entrepreneurs. Our scholarship and empowerment programmes have given them a second chance, and that is only possible because of the relative peace we now enjoy,” he added.
Dr. Otuaro commended GbaramatuVoice for its decade-long contribution to regional development through media advocacy and community engagement. He pledged the full support of the Presidential Amnesty Office for the upcoming anniversary event, describing the platform as an important voice in the Niger Delta.
“GbaramatuVoice is not just a media outfit; it is a force that has consistently told our stories, amplified government efforts, and highlighted the realities of our communities. I am proud to associate with this milestone celebration and assure you of the PAP’s total support,” he said.
In his response, Jacob Abai, CEO of GbaramatuVoice, expressed appreciation for the Administrator’s leadership and support, noting that the 10th Anniversary celebration will not only commemorate the organisation’s achievements but will also serve as a platform for dialogue, recognition, and policy conversations critical to the region’s future.
He revealed that the theme of the upcoming lecture is: “Gaps and Silences in Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Economy: Appraisal of Resource Control, Security & Media Dynamics.”
He added that the event would feature a high-level public lecture, a cultural night, awards to deserving stakeholders, and the unveiling of a state-of-the-art live studio facility that will expand the organisation’s reach and impact.
“Over the last ten years, we have been focused on giving voice to the region, advocating for peace, equity, and development. This celebration is about appreciating how far we’ve come and charting a course for the future,” he noted.
The GbaramatuVoice 10th Anniversary and Niger Delta Night of Honor are expected to attract key stakeholders from government, civil society, the diplomatic corps, academia, and the traditional institution, further establishing the event as a major highlight in the regional and national media calendar.
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