Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has urged the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to rally support for President Bola Tinubu's reelection in 2027. He emphasized that it is crucial for the strategic interests of the Ijaw and the broader Niger Delta community to ensure the President secures a second term.

Otuaro made this appeal during a courtesy visit from the newly inaugurated 10th leadership of the IYC, headed by President Dr. Doubra Okotete, at his office in Abuja over the weekend. He stressed the importance of unity within the region, cautioning against any divisions that could undermine their collective efforts to support Tinubu.

"My appeal to the IYC is that nothing should divide us; 2027 is already here. Let us back the President and mobilize for him to win a second term," Otuaro stated. He urged the council to remain vigilant against any attempts to create discord among the Ijaw people, asserting that supporting Tinubu aligns with their strategic national interests.

In his remarks, Otuaro praised the IYC and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta for their steadfast support of the PAP's peacebuilding initiatives. He described their cooperation as both massive and encouraging, highlighting their solidarity with the reforms he has implemented to enhance the PAP's effectiveness.

Otuaro noted that the PAP has made significant strides in education and empowerment, with 8,700 students currently enrolled in local institutions and over 270 studying abroad. He mentioned that additional groups of students are being dispatched to various universities, with 150 set to leave this August and September.

He expressed gratitude for the IYC's visit, reiterating that maintaining peace and stability in the region is a shared responsibility. Earlier, Dr. Okotete acknowledged the PAP's success in empowering Niger Delta youths under Otuaro's leadership, commending his prudent management of resources that have enabled thousands to access quality education.

The IYC President also conveyed the council's willingness to collaborate with Otuaro and explore further partnerships between the PAP and the IYC, aiming to enhance the educational and empowerment opportunities available to youths in the region.