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PAP Begins Aviation Training For 116 Ex-Agitators
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed 116 ex-agitators for training in aircraft engineering, maintenance and other aviation services in line with the Train, Employ and Mentor (TEM) model introduced by its Interim Administrator, Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd).
A statement signed by Dikio’s Special Adviser, Media, Nneotaobase Egbe, said the benefitting ex-agitators had already commenced Basic Orientation Course (BOC) in Lagos to prepare their minds for the specialised training.
The latest deployment increased the number of ex-agitators sent to various sectors to acquire professional skills for employment and entrepreneurship to 1,250.
Dikio, who spoke at the orientation camp, told the ex-agitators that the aviation industry remained critical and lucrative to the economy.
He urged the beneficiaries, including members of impacted communities in the Niger Delta, to utilise the opportunity as a privilege to secure better future.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Dikio said: “You are the first batch to revamp the aviation training. I want you to take it seriously because a lot has been put in to justify revamping this programme. I hope that by the time you finish the boot camp all of you will make it. However, it all depends on you. You must be determined.
“Flying is about soaring above mediocrity that should be a metaphor for your motivation. Flying is a precise profession; there is no room for half measures. As we say in the military, there is no packing space in the air. There is no space for second best.
“In the aviation industry there is no room for mistakes. Failure is not an option; make that your life motto because a lot of people are depending on you to succeed”.
Dikio said the training was designed to develop manpower in the Niger Delta, and called on the beneficiaries to remain focused, dedicated and teachable.
He said ex-agitators should seize the opportunity to become solution providers to enable the region catch up with other parts of the country and the world.
The amnesty boss acknowledged that the aviation industry boasts of many services and anyone who was focused and determined, including the PAP delegates, can carve a niche for himself.
He said: “The whole essence of this programme is for manpower development in the Niger Delta. As delegates your responsibilities are to be obedient, stay focused and be dedicated. Learn to grow and have a teachable spirit.
“You should be solution providers so that we can catch up with the other parts of Nigeria and the world at large. This is a privilege and not a right, it can be taken.
“The era of entitlement in the Niger Delta is over. It is in your own best interest to cooperate with your instructors. Your instructors will teach you how to compete with the rest of the world.
“There are many areas in this sector; every one doesn’t have to be a pilot. There are aircraft maintenance engineers, traffic controllers and other ancillary services.
“Keep your eyes on the prize. Your future is at stake; your family name is at stake and in fact your children’s children. We love you and want you to be the best. We trust that can. Always remember that there is no second place best in this business”.
By: Akujobi Amadi
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.