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Niger Delta’s Former Freedom Fighter Praises Amnesty Chief’s Scholarship Drive as Game-Changer.
A former Niger Delta agitator, ‘General’ Emma Satu, has commended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, for his dedication to expanding educational opportunities for youths in the region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking yesterday, Satu praised Dr. Otuaro’s scholarship initiatives, describing them as critical in supporting the Federal Government’s broader development agenda for the Niger Delta. He highlighted the progress made under Otuaro’s leadership since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nearly two years ago.
Satu cited the success of sixty students who achieved First Class degrees between 2016 and 2023, and noted that over 140 postgraduate students were sent to the United Kingdom in September, with another 161 scheduled for similar opportunities. He described these initiatives as key to enhancing human capital in the region.
The ex-freedom fighter emphasized that Otuaro’s focus on strategic disciplines—including electrical and electronics engineering, computer science, civil engineering, accounting, law, petroleum engineering, physics, and biochemistry—was essential for the region’s growth. He also pointed to the expansion of the Amnesty programme to include aviation and marine engineering training, alongside ongoing leadership development for beneficiaries across multiple phases.
Satu expressed optimism about the long-term impact of these educational programmes, asserting that they would contribute significantly to human capital development in the Niger Delta. He explained that the PAP, with President Tinubu’s support, had made notable progress in line with the eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The focus on education as a tool to improve the lives of our youths has yielded positive results,” Satu said. “Dr. Otuaro and his team have secured overseas postgraduate scholarships, enrolled thousands of students in local and international programmes, and supported domestic institutions, all aimed at diverting the energy of our youths from armed agitation to productive pursuits. We must commend his visionary and pragmatic leadership.”
He added that recent academic sessions saw 2,000 students enrolled in onshore and offshore programmes, with specialized training in aviation and maritime studies designed to support critical economic sectors. Satu noted that these initiatives are part of a deliberate strategy by the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the federal government to reduce insecurity in the Niger Delta.
Satu further highlighted Otuaro’s partnerships with state governments and local institutions, such as the Bayelsa Medical University, to develop professional capacity and equip youths with skills to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation. He urged regional stakeholders to continue supporting peace initiatives and collaborate with the Amnesty Office and federal government to attract investment, infrastructure, employment, and empowerment to the Niger Delta.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission), Sam Amadi, has called for the arrest and prosecution of a cleric who allegedly placed a ₦1 million bounty on a Christian pastor over alleged blasphemy.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Hugo Ekitike will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during Liverpool FC’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The 23-year-old striker was stretchered off at Anfield in the first half after slipping awkwardly, sparking immediate concern over a serious injury. Scans conducted on Wednesday later confirmed a full Achilles rupture, ruling him out for the rest of the season and France’s World Cup campaign.
In an official statement, Liverpool confirmed the diagnosis, adding that Ekitike will be sidelined for several months and will miss the summer tournament with France national football team.
France coach Didier Deschamps also expressed disappointment, describing the injury as a major setback for both the player and the national team, while offering his full support.
Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last July, had enjoyed a strong debut season, scoring 17 goals and registering six assists across all competitions.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the injury “did not look good” and acknowledged how difficult the situation is for the young forward.
The club is already dealing with several injuries, with key players including Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Alisson Becker, and Wataru Endo all currently sidelined or in recovery.
World Athletics has rejected Turkey’s application to switch the nationality of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, blocking her proposed allegiance change ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The decision was contained in a document reviewed on Thursday and issued by the organisation’s Nationality Review Panel.
The panel, made up of Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill, and Susanne van Waert, ruled that the application submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation would not be approved.
It said the request did not meet eligibility standards and raised concerns about fairness and the integrity of international athletics.
According to the panel, the bid was part of a wider recruitment drive involving multiple athletes, which it said risked encouraging nationality switches for financial or competitive advantage rather than genuine national ties.
The report noted that Turkey had submitted 11 similar applications as part of a government-backed effort to strengthen its team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
While acknowledging Ofili’s dissatisfaction with Nigerian athletics authorities, the panel said her grievances were not sufficient to override established eligibility rules.
Ofili last competed for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and had reportedly obtained Turkish citizenship, signed a long-term deal, and planned relocation.
However, the ruling means she is not eligible to represent Turkey in international competitions.
Despite the rejection, World Athletics said she may still compete in events in a personal or club capacity and is free to live and train in Turkey.
The 23-year-old remains one of Nigeria’s top sprint talents and previously set a world record in the 150m in 2025.
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