NEWS
Ex-Agitators Condemns Sponsored Protest against PAP Administrator
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
The Ex-Agitators comprising Phase 1,2,3 has emphatically condemned the recent protest by a sponsored group called “the Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change”, which petitioned Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for corruption, favouritism and other crimes.
They said no doubt Nigeria operates a generally accepted constitution which stipulates rules and procedures, structure and powers, rights and freedoms and fundamental principles, which are binding on all citizens. But In as much as it is the constitutional right of every Nigerian citizen to peaceful protest, the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (PHASE 1, 2, 3) notes that it has become worrisome and a source of concern to them when such privileges become a means to blackmail, spread falsehood or to embark on a campaign of calumny against a law-abiding citizen of the country like Dr Dennis Brutu OtuaroIn a communique issued on Thursday in Yenagoa and signed by General Alhaji Letugbene Vice Chairman (PAP Phase 3), General Emmanuel Satu Secretary-Abuja Chapter (PAP Phase 3) and General Asawana Lucky Leader (PAP Phase 1) said, “we make bold to say that since the Presidential Amnesty Programme was established by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’dua in 2009 till date, no appointee has been more attacked or blackmailed and castigated like the incumbent Administrator, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro.The communique further said, Nigerians should not be deceived by what they hear or see from groups like this because the several protests and media attacks against Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, have become the favourite pastime of a few idle and confused individuals.According to them, they want Nigerians to know that Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro’s only offense is that, upon his appointment into office, he cleared the rot in the system by stopping leakages and unwholesome practices being spearheaded by some former militant leaders whose fraudulent activities could have truncated the Amnesty Programme.“There is no gainsaying that the only objective of the Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change”, a sponsored group, is to blackmail and spread lies and evil propaganda against Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro. This is why we are calling on all Nigerians to disregard the allegations because they are the figment of the imagination of this group being sponsored by a cabal of ex-militant leaders to tarnish and discredit Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro’s indelible achievements and legacy.”As ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme, we will not mince words to say Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro has exhibited transparency, accountability and prudent management of amnesty funds. It will interest you to know that an audit of the Amnesty Office some time ago showed he has managed funds prudently better than his predecessors. It’s a known fact that before his appointment, the Amnesty Office was characterized by unwholesome practices but since his appointment, the Amnesty Office has been sanitized and repositioned.”There are thirty thousand ex-agitators in the database of the Amnesty Programme and we are all paid our monthly stipend regularly and on time. This has, in no small measure, boosted the attainment of the core objective of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight point Renewed Hope Agenda.They said the success of the Amnesty Programme is hinged on Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro’s commitment towards promoting peace and stability in the Niger Delta region. “He has criss-crossed the length and breadth of the region, speaking with governors, elder statesmen, opinion leaders, women and youth groups including beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Thus, he has given all stakeholders a sense of belonging as we work together for the peace and stability of our region”.The group therefore call on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Department of State Services and the EFCC to deal decisively with the “the Niger Delta Concerned Youths For Change” for unsubstantiated claims of corruption which amounts to defamation of character and misinformation to cause harm. “To act as a deterrent, the leaders of the group should be invited to provide evidence of their claims and if they fail to do so, convincingly, they should be prosecuted”.They unanimously pass a Vote of Confidence on him and urge him to continue to provide quality, assertive and responsive leadership.
NEWS
Menstrual Hygiene: Stakeholders Seek Affordable Sanitary Products for Girls
A Non-Governmental Organisation, MAHCare Foundation, has called for increased awareness and support to address period poverty among women and girls in the country.
The President of the foundation, Maryam Musa, made the call during a “Walk for Her Dignity” awareness campaign in Kaduna on Saturday, organised to highlight challenges surrounding menstrual hygiene and access to sanitary products.
Musa said the initiative was to educate the public on the dangers of period poverty and the health risks associated with the use of unhygienic menstrual materials.
She added that “period poverty is not something to be neglected, it is something to be tackled. Sanitary pads are so expensive that many women and girls now use unhygienic products that affect their health, education and daily activities.
”She explained that the awareness campaign would continue beyond the walk, adding that the organisation planned to distribute sanitary products to vulnerable groups and communities.
She noted that the foundation was also promoting the use of reusable sanitary pads to support girls who could not afford disposable products.
“We educate them on how to properly manage reusable pads because not everybody can afford disposable ones. We are also trying to correct misconceptions that sanitary products are against religion or culture”, she said
She added that women and girls should understand that using sanitary pads was important for their health and hygiene.
Sahura Maidoki, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said the campaign was necessary to educate communities on menstrual hygiene and end the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Maidoki stressed the need to involve men in menstrual hygiene education, noting that “some parents failed to educate their daughters on proper menstrual care.
“We also have issues with some men because they do not educate their children on the importance of taking care of themselves during menstruation.”
She explained that sensitisation talks would help people to understand the importance of providing sanitary pads for their daughters and wives and ensure that menstruation was not seen as a barrier for the girl-child.
A Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) advocate, Doris Zakama, who spoke at the event said many girls, especially those in rural communities, lacked access to menstrual hygiene products and adequate education on menstrual health.
Zakama urged the government to subsidise menstrual hygiene products, make them affordable for girls and women struggling with rising cost of living.
NEWS
One Year into OPay’s N1.2 billion 10-year Scholarship Initiative, What’s Next?
Getting into a tertiary institution is only half the journey. Staying in school, paying fees on time, and having the right support system can be the bigger challenge. Over the past year,
OPay has stepped into that gap, not just as a fintech company, but as a partner in the ambition and aspirations of thousands of students.
Through its long-term scholarship initiative, OPay has committed N1.
2 billion over 10 years to support outstanding and indigent students across more than 20 partner tertiary institutions nationwide. What began as tuition support has grown into something more profound, a structured investment in young people who have the capacity but need financial backing to stay focused on their studies.In campuses from Ife to Zaria and Calabar, OPay scholarship beneficiaries have shared stories of relief and renewed confidence. For many, the scholarship meant their parents no longer had to borrow money for school fees. For others, it meant more time in the library and less time worrying about part-time work. In a country where education remains one of the strongest ladders to upward mobility, this kind of support goes beyond money; it restores dignity and hope.
But OPay’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) journey is not stopping at the scholarship initiative.
Building on the strong foundation already laid, OPay is launching OPay Scholars, a bold expansion that moves from financial support to full career development. The 2026 edition will introduce OPay Futures and a National Innovation Challenge, where students can propose practical solutions to real-world problems. It will also feature a focused webinar session and a bootcamp led by industry experts, providing scholars with direct access to knowledge in technology, entrepreneurship, and career growth.
Most notably, the 2026 edition will create a structured career development pathway, culminating in a grand finale of OPay’s second annual Empowering Futures Conference.
This platform will not only celebrate academic excellence but also spotlight creativity, leadership, and innovation among Nigerian students.
At a time when many young Nigerians are asking, “What next after school?”, OPay is helping to answer that question. By combining financial aid with mentorship, exposure and opportunities for innovation, the company is positioning education as both a safety net and a springboard.
OPay’s impact over the past year proves one thing clearly: when businesses invest consistently in people, communities grow stronger. And in 2026, OPay Scholars is set to support ambitions and actively shape the future, one student, one idea, and one opportunity at a time.
NEWS
Benue Not Owing Workers’ Salary – Odey
By Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Benue State government has debunked reports in some sections of the media including DAILY ASSET NEWSPAPER over alleged owing of Workers’ Salary.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Odey who refuted the media claims on Sunday in Makurdi said the state government was only carrying out workers verification exercise, which according to him, they will be paid accordingly after the conclusion of the exercise.
Odey, who said the state government remains committed to the welfare of workers, urged media organizations to always verify the sources of their information before going public.


