In a strong show of unity and commitment, delegates of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in Ondo State convened in Agadagba-Obon on Monday for a strategic stakeholders’ meeting, where they unanimously reaffirmed their unflinching support for the leadership of High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Ph.D, Administrator of the Programme.
The impactful meeting, at the instance of Mr. Miyen Yayu, Head of Post-Training Empowerment, and High Chief Sofiyegha Sylvester Ayebi, Head of the Ondo Liaison Office, served as a turning point in re-energising PAP efforts in the state and strengthening ties between the leadership and the beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Yayu emphasised the indispensable role of peace in achieving meaningful progress across the Niger Delta. He maintained that development can only thrive in a peaceful atmosphere, urging all stakeholders to remain steadfast in promoting harmony within their communities. He further noted that Ondo State; especially the Arogbo axis; has benefited significantly under the leadership of Dr. Otuaro. He highlighted the inclusivity of Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, stressing that Ondo State has not been left out of any of the Programme’s progress. He cited the scholarship awards, empowerment trainings, and other PAP initiatives that have positively impacted Ondo beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Otuaro, Mr. Yayu provided a comprehensive rundown of the remarkable achievements recorded under his leadership, particularly for sons and daughters of Arogbo. From improved post-training empowerment to a more inclusive and transparent engagement strategy, the PAP under Dr. Otuaro was praised for its transformative direction and responsiveness to stakeholders’ needs.
High Chief Sofiyegha Sylvester Ayebi added that the Ondo office remains committed to ensuring that grassroots voices are heard, emphasising the importance of channelling concerns through appropriate avenues for effective policy implementation. His collaborative role in convening the meeting was widely applauded by attendees.
Several delegates took the floor to commend the milestones of the PAP. Mr. Jide remarked that without such a meeting, they would not have been aware of the progress. Mr. Gift Lubi, speaking candidly, noted that previous agitations were rooted in a lack of transparency by the former administration. He affirmed that those concerns have now been addressed under Dr. Otuaro, whose leadership has brought clarity and fairness to the Programme.
Engr. Jeremiah Samuel, Chairman of the Ijaw Belemu-Ukputu, passionately urged all stakeholders to work with Dr. Otuaro after hearing of the Administrator’s achievements. He said, “If you people didn’t tell us, we wouldn’t have been aware of these things. Thanks for holding this meeting to create awareness for us. There will be no protest again. We thought our Ondo State beneficiaries were not benefiting.” He declared that the entire delegation stands firmly behind Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, describing it as inclusive, purposeful, and people-centered.
The highlight of the meeting came when the Ondo beneficiaries unanimously expressed that they had previously been unaware of these remarkable achievements. They resolved to communicate future concerns through the Liaison Office rather than resorting to protest. A vote of confidence was passed on High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Ph.D, acknowledging his developmental strides and visionary stewardship since assuming office. They pledged continued support and partnership to ensure the success of the Amnesty Programme in Ondo State.
The meeting concluded on a high note with a vote of thanks delivered by Engr. Jeremiah Samuel, who lauded both Mr. Miyen Yayu and High Chief Sofiyegha Ayebi for their tireless efforts in ensuring that Ondo State remains a key beneficiary of PAP’s renewed vision under Dr. Otuaro.
Stakeholders who engaged with the Amnesty Office through Mr. Miyen Yayu Precious and the Head of the Liaison Office, High Chief Sylvester Sofiyegha Ayebi, included: Jeremiah Samuel (Akure), Mefun Ipugha (Ajapa), Ojumiri Emmanuel (Akure), Utanhan Ebikontei (Oluwade), Lubi Daudoubra (Bolowou), Ajih Endurance (Akure), Isaiah Wealth, Esq. (Akure), PMB Ibori (Ore), Elemi Best (Akure), Loko Nanaboh (Akure), Jide Remember (Akure), Ominidougha Kurominiyefa (Akure), Lubi Timi (Ore), Augustus Valentine (Akure), Jemine Hossanah (Bolowou), Kiriki Ebis Anthony (Agadagba-Obon), Yanki Ebitimi (Akure), Ali Success (Okitipupa), Omoni Ebiere (Ajapa), Uyakumoh Vanish (Okitipupa), Ibori Bira (Okitipupa), Kala Nasiri (Akure), Bello Eti (Akure), Amos Dulamini (Ajapa), Pharm. Bekewei (Ondo), Seiwei Romanus (Ajapa), Bowei Rotimi (Biagbini), Opukutu Imole (Okitipupa), Sobjor Daniel (Biagbini), Toikebi Okolofinighan (Okitipupa), Eworigha Kimse (Akure), Yanyangbini Uyas (Akure), John Jeda (Akure), Lubi Godgift (Akure), Soriwei Ebiboh (Akure), Nanaopiri Elijah (Akure), Amuluku Jacob (Ondo), Luminary Lubi (Esq), and Utegha Ebikontei (Akpata), among others.
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