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16,603, Ex-Militants Graduate From Amnesty Camp
No fewer than 16, 603 repentant Niger Delta militants have so far received the mandatory transformational training on non-violence at the Federal Government’s post-amnesty camp in Obubra, Cross River.
Mr Frederick Anesah, the Camp Commandant, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen, in Obubra yesterday.
At least 20,192 ex-militants, who were granted amnesty by the Federal Government are expected to undergo demobilisation training at the camp
Anesah said that the batch 14 of the trainees, comprising 1,200 ex-militants from Rivers, had since June 23, been undergoing transformational training that would end on July 4.
He expressed the hope that the transformational programme would finish by the end of 2011.
He said: “They started coming to camp from June 23. The process started June 23rd and June 24th. On the 25th they started lectures. “They are still in the process of this transformational lectures being conducted by Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN).
“As far as I am concerned, they are doing very well. We have 1, 200 of them in the camp mainly from Rivers State. I could not believe that they are ex-militants.
“Their behaviour is very satisfactory. There is hope and they are happy to be here. The facilities are okay.
“ But if we have more facilities, we would train them as quickly as possible and get this phase behind us and move to the next phase. This batch will pass out on the 4th of July.
“Hopefully we will finish the programme before the end of this year. The delay in finishing was because of the April general elections.”
One of the trainees, Okorepirite Okoroji, from Tombia in Rivers, told newsmen that he was a member of the Fara Dagogo Camp prior to his being invited to Obubra for the training.
He said: “Since we came, everything has been in order. We run our programmes without any problems. We have been taught many things about how to manage life and stay away from violence.
“We enjoy and like it. I have learnt some things. I know that in life, you manage and that in life if you want anything and you are determined, you will get it.
“It pays to be straight forward in life. You do not get things by force. You exercise patience and work toward something you want and you will get it.
“When I leave here, I will be humble and keep to instructions and urge my other colleagues to do the same so they will enjoy it. I now know that life is a gradual process.’’
Another trainee, Mohammed Jombo, said: “We believe life will be better now. In the creeks, I suffered and fought the government day and night.
“We struggled because they were drilling our oil but we were still undeveloped until Yar’adua called us and we agreed to give up our arms.
“Unfortunately, he (Yar’adua) died, but we still did not lose hope. We believe Jonathan will see us through and now we see ourselves here in Obubra. They are training us here well.
“I am from Bonny and the oil companies there are not treating us well. That is why we went into the struggle to take care of our families.
“I have learnt that I do not need to use the rifle to get anything I want now. We have to get what we want through dialogue. We now have to pursue our aims through peaceful means.
“ The country we believe would help us. If they do not help us, we would look for what to do again to carry on the action.
“I want my two children to graduate from school and that is why I am following up what the government is doing for us.”
Sunday Letura, another ex-militant in Osama Camp, said that one of his legs was amputated after he was hit by bullets in the camp where he served as an informant before he was demobilised.
“I was an informant in the camp. I normally warned my people of danger. This problem happened to me in the camp. It was a gunshot. I was shot in the leg by mistake.
“They arranged to treat me, but as it was not working, I was carried to the hospital, where the amputated me. As I am now I have desisted from the bad things I used to do to a new life now.
“That new life is that I will not use violence any more. I would like to be a businessman when I leave here, especially, dealing in building materials.
“Government should help me in this direction. I am married with children. I am 32 years old. I advise my people that when I was young, I was stubborn, but as stubborn as I was, I saw no benefit.
“Now I advise them to play cool and there is no need to be troublesome.’’
Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Kingsley Kuku, says only 26,358 ex-militants who accepted the Federal Government’s amnesty programme were given official recognition under the ongoing rehabilitation scheme.
He made the announcement yesterday in Abuja at an orientation course for 176 former militants who are to proceed for training on pipeline welding and marine engineering at Seina Marine in South Africa.
Kuku said the ongoing disarmament exercise in the Niger Delta was illegal and had nothing to do with the presidential proclamation being handled by the Amnesty Office.
He declared that as far as the Federal Government was concerned, the disarmament programme conducted by the presidential committee on amnesty had been concluded on May 25.
Kuku urged the Joint Task Force (JTF) to stop the purported disarmament exercise currently going on in the region in order to avoid disruption of the amnesty programme.
“When amnesty was proclaimed on June 25, 2009 only 20,192 persons complied with the presidential directive. An additional list of 6,166 beneficiaries was registered later.
“For me, amnesty has ended in the Niger Delta. Only 26,358 persons accepted the amnesty and they are they ones recognised by the Federal Government.”
Kuku explained that out of the 26,358 former militants who accepted the amnesty, 17,500 persons had been enrolled for degree and vocational skill programmes in Nigeria and abroad.
He urged the 176 former militants who would proceed for vocational training at Seina Marine in South Africa, to be good ambassadors of the country and desist from any act that would bring shame to the nation.
He warned that any trainee who commits any crime would be withdrawn from the training and brought home.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol