Otuaro Urges Niger Delta to Back Tinubu as PAP Sends 150 Scholars to UK

By Tessy Ogbemo

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has urged Niger Delta people to massively support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, citing the Federal Government’s investment in peace, human capital development and the future of the region.

Otuaro made the call as the PAP dispatched another 150 Niger Delta beneficiaries for postgraduate studies in universities across the United Kingdom, bringing the number of offshore scholarship beneficiaries deployed by the programme in 2026 to 243.

Speaking at a pre-departure orientation for the latest beneficiaries at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, Otuaro described the scholarship scheme as a strategic investment in the region’s human capital and a foundation for a more prosperous Niger Delta.

“We are able to do this because our father and leader, Mr President, is committed to the peace, security and development of the Niger Delta,” Otuaro said.

He urged beneficiaries and Niger Delta people to reciprocate the administration’s efforts by supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“I must say that as a people, we should make sure we vote massively to ensure his victory in the 2027 general elections. This is the best way to show gratitude to a President who has taken these deliberate steps to help our people and the region,” he said.

According to the PAP Administrator, 93 beneficiaries were deployed for offshore postgraduate programmes in January and May, while the latest batch brings the 2026 deployment figure to 243.

He disclosed that about 270 Niger Delta beneficiaries are currently studying in universities in the UK, including 11 undergraduates, 238 master’s students and 21 PhD candidates.

The scholars are undertaking programmes in critical fields including cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, law, forensic audit, fintech analytics, construction engineering management, global public health, and oil and gas engineering.

Otuaro said the PAP also has about 8,700 beneficiaries studying in Nigerian institutions, stressing that the education programme was designed to produce skilled professionals capable of transforming their communities and contributing to national development.

He disclosed that 57 offshore beneficiaries had graduated, many with distinctions, while 248 others remained in training.

“That is our investment for a greater and better tomorrow because it will help our communities and our region tomorrow,” he said.

The PAP boss attributed the expansion of the scholarship programme to President Tinubu’s support under the Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his supervision and contributions to the programme.

He charged the new scholars to remain focused, obey the laws of the United Kingdom and the regulations of their respective institutions, and return to Nigeria after their studies to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Opukeme Gideon, an MSc Cyber Security student at the University of Aberdeen, and Afiyagba Peredisabofa, an MSc Oil and Gas student at Coventry University, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Otuaro for the opportunity.

They pledged to work hard academically and make Nigeria and the Niger Delta proud.

The event also attracted goodwill messages from PANDEF Chairman, Dr Boladei Igali; Prof. Ben Binebai of Niger Delta University; Niger Delta activist AnnKio Briggs; Delta State Governor’s Senior Policy Adviser, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; and Ijaw Youth Council President, Dr Doubra Okotete.

The speakers commended the continuity and expansion of the PAP scholarship programme, describing it as a long-term investment capable of creating opportunities for generations of Niger Delta youths.