WAFFI TV | Feature

IPF Applauds Otuaro’s Transformative Leadership In One Year

The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has commended Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), for his impactful service and transformative reforms within his first year in office. In a statement by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum praised Dr. Otuaro for reviving crucial initiatives, including foreign scholarships, marine training, vocational programs, and the empowerment scheme. Dr. Otuaro’s tenure has been marked by inclusive stakeholder engagements involving ex-agitators, community leaders, women, and traditional rulers, fostering greater regional participation in the amnesty initiative. Notably, over 2,000 students have been awarded scholarships for studies in Nigeria and abroad, 40 ex-agitators have undergone aero-maintenance training in Lagos, four commercial pilots have been trained in South Africa, and over 100 ex-agitators have received maritime sector training. "We are proud of Dr. Otuaro’s achievements in just one year," said Comrade Austin. "His dedication to restoring and strengthening critical programs is a testament to his commitment to youth empowerment and regional development." The IPF urged continued support from Niger Delta youth, leaders, and stakeholders to ensure the success of Dr. Otuaro’s initiatives. "We call on all parties to stand behind him for the sustainable progress of our region," the statement read. The endorsement from IPF highlights the growing recognition of Dr. Otuaro’s leadership and vision for a more prosperous Niger Delta. With sustained collaboration and support, his transformative efforts are expected to drive lasting development and peace in the region.

3/15/2025, 11:57:29 AM

Trump Plans Travel Ban On 43 Countries

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a travel ban on 43 countries, according to a report by Reuters on Saturday. The report cites an internal memo and officials familiar with the matter. The memo categorizes the affected nations into three groups: red, orange, and yellow. While the list is yet to receive formal approval from the Trump administration, it includes several African nations—though economic powerhouses like Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, and Egypt are not among them. The red group consists of 11 countries—Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Cuba, Bhutan, Venezuela, North Korea, Yemen, and Somalia—whose citizens would be completely barred from entering the U.S. The orange group includes 10 nations, such as Russia, Belarus, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, and Pakistan, where visa restrictions would be significantly tightened. The yellow group comprises 22 countries, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Mali, and Zimbabwe, which have been given 60 days to address U.S. concerns before restrictions take effect. The New York Times first reported on the proposed visa ban, but a U.S. official told Reuters that the list remains subject to change and has yet to be finalized by the administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The proposal is part of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, initiated at the start of his second term in January.

3/15/2025, 11:33:15 AM

Waffi Tv Congratulates Chief Otuaro Phd, On His One year Anniversary As PAP Administrator

Waffi TV proudly celebrates Chief Dennis Burutu Otuaro, PhD, on the remarkable milestone of one year as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). In a statement signed on Friday by the MD/CEO of Waffi TV, Pst Arex Akemotubo, praised Otuaro for his leadership and commitment for the growth and development in the Niger Delta region. The statement reads, "Your visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and passion for sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta have brought renewed hope to countless beneficiaries of the programme. "In just one year, your impact has been profound—empowering ex-agitators, fostering economic growth, and championing the cause of a prosperous and peaceful region. Your dedication to human capital development and strategic reforms continues to set a new standard in the amnesty programme's history. "As you mark this anniversary, WAFFI TV commends your relentless drive and prays for more wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as you continue to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

3/15/2025, 7:52:56 AM

Delta Begins Farmers’ Verification Across LGs

The Delta State Government has begun verifying and validating registered farmers statewide to establish a database of genuine beneficiaries for government interventions. This was stated in a public announcement issued on Friday in Asaba, the state capital, by the Director of Public Communication and Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Theresa Oliko. The statement partly reads, “It is hereby announced for the information of the public, particularly Deltans who are crop and vegetable farmers, fish farmers and livestock farmers who registered with the Delta State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, that the Ministry will be carrying out farmers’ verification and validation exercise across the state from Monday, March 17, to Friday, March 28, 2025. “The exercise is aimed at creating a valid and authentic database of genuine farmers in the State for government interventions. “For this reason, Agricultural Field and Extension Officers will be in the field to capture such farmers with the GP Coordinate of their farm locations. “To this end, Local Government Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, Presidents-General, Women and Youth Leaders are advised by this announcement to mobilize farmers already registered with the Ministry in their various Local Government Areas to actively participate in the verification and validation exercise. All farmers are expected to provide their National Identification Number.” The statement, however, noted that “a new date will be announced, after this capturing exercise, to register new farmers who failed to register previously.”

3/14/2025, 6:22:40 PM

US Vice President Proposes Deporting Foreign Students

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has stated that foreign students on visas could be deported if their stay is deemed not to serve the country’s best interests. Speaking with Fox News on Thursday night, Vance said the measure aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push to expand deportation efforts. While some might frame the issue as a matter of free speech, he stressed that it is fundamentally about national security and deciding who can be part of the American community. Vance clarified that the Secretary of State and the President have the authority to determine whether a foreign student can remain in the U.S. If they lack a legal basis to stay, deportation would follow. He acknowledged that deportations could rise but did not specify by how much. Vance stated, “This is not fundamentally about free speech, and to me, yes, it’s about national security, but it’s also more importantly about who do we as an American public decide gets to join our national community. “And if the secretary of state and the president decide this person shouldn’t be in America, and they have no legal right to stay here, it’s as simple as that. “I think we’ll certainly see some people who get deported on student visas if we determine that it’s not in the best interest of the United States to have them in our country. “I don’t know how high that number is going to be, but you’re going to see more people.”

3/14/2025, 1:53:41 PM

INC Urges Tinubu To Caution FCT Minister Over 'Minority' Remark On Ijaw Nation

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to rein in FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over his remarks about the Ijaw people. The INC was responding to Wike's alleged statement that the Ijaw were a "minority of minorities" in Rivers and other South-South states, except Bayelsa. In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, INC National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, said the congress had taken note of the minister’s comments. ”We will continue to maintain peace and stability, as we call on President Tinubu to caution him and redirect his focus to his ministerial duties. “The INC remains committed to preserving the harmony enjoyed by all in the Niger Delta region. “We have taken note of the recent remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. “Given his eight-year tenure as governor of Rivers, we expected a more informed understanding of the state’s history,” the INC said. For the record, the INC said that the Ijaw people are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, with over 40 million people, and the oldest tribe in Nigeria, as documented in history. “They are the largest ethnic group in Rivers with eight local government areas and also not a minority in Delta. “The Ijaw have consistently advocated for fairness and equity in the Niger Delta region and the South-South, and we will not be swayed by individual attempts to provoke us,” Oyakemeagbegha said. (NAN)

3/14/2025, 8:46:13 AM

Reps Adopt Tax Reform Bills, VAT Remains 7.5%

After five months of negotiations and a three-day public hearing, a decision has finally been reached on the highly debated tax reform bills. The House of Representatives adopted the report of its finance committee on the bills, incorporating several amendments to address all concerns, with no opposition recorded. Key amendments include maintaining the value-added tax (VAT) at 7.5%, redefining the inheritance tax, and revising VAT distribution. Additionally, the House approved the proposal to exempt military personnel from personal income tax. “All the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory have their representatives in the sub-committee. “This is the first time such a report is getting hundred per cent approval by almost all members,” the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas said. Following the consideration of the bills, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance James Faleke “These bills underwent three full days of public hearings, with input from over 80 key stakeholders. Afterward, we held an eight-day retreat to debate each clause,” the Lagos lawmaker said. “I am glad that House members recognised our thorough work and approved all our recommendations.” With the adoption, the House is now poised to pass the bills.

3/14/2025, 8:20:57 AM

Rivers Crisis: Fubara Writes Fresh Letter For 2025 Budget Presentation To Assembly

Less than eight hours after his Chief Judge was placed under investigation for alleged age falsification, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has formally notified the state House of Assembly of his intent to present the 2025 budget. On Wednesday, Fubara was denied access to the Assembly Complex, with House spokesman Hon. Enemi George citing his “failure to formally communicate with the House.” In a letter titled Notice of Presentation of Rivers State 2025 Budget to Rivers State House of Assembly and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Governor referenced his initial visit to the House. “You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March, 2025 for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget in compliance with the judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. “As you know, the planned presentation of the said budget could not take place because my entourage and I were locked out at the gate and denied entry into the premises despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to you following the failure of the Clerk to accept the hard copy from us. “Recall further that before this unfortunate incident, the House issued a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 budget even when we were yet to be served with the certified true copy of the judgement and accompanying enrolled orders”, he said. Governor Fubara informed the Speaker in the letter that “we were simply complying with both the order of the Supreme Court and the request of the Rivers State House of Assembly when we came to present the 2025 budget on the 12th of March, 2025. “The Supreme Court has directed that all arms of government should exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambits of the Constitution and ordinary laws of our country, and this we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people. “No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the State and our people should take priority over political conflicts. “Against this background, it is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025 by 11.00 a.m. or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient”. It remains to be seen whether the House will extend the courtesy of responding to the letter, given the ample time available for the budget presentation.

3/14/2025, 7:16:05 AM

Pleasant Lines School Hosts 3rd Biannual Inter~House Sports Competition Today

Pleasant Lines School, Ugolo-Okpe, is gearing up for its highly anticipated 3rd Biannual Inter-House Sports Competition, a celebration of athletic talent, teamwork, and school spirit. The event, which has become a major highlight in the school's calendar, will showcase the determination and skill of young athletes as they compete in various sporting activities. In a statement, the school management expressed excitement about the upcoming competition and extended an open invitation to parents, guardians, sports enthusiasts, and the general public to witness the electrifying contests. The competition is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 14th, 2025, at the Okirikperhen Primary School field. According to the statement, sports lovers and supporters are encouraged to attend and cheer for their favourite houses as students put their best foot forward in pursuit of victory.

3/14/2025, 4:15:00 AM

FG Plans To Lower Airfares

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced ongoing efforts to reduce the high cost of air tickets for both domestic and international travel while also enhancing airport safety and security. Speaking at the Ministerial Press Briefing on Thursday in Abuja, Keyamo highlighted key factors driving expensive fares, including limited access to affordable aircraft leasing, trapped funds of foreign airlines, and high airport taxes. He noted that Nigerian airlines face challenges in securing aircraft leases at competitive rates, often resorting to costly leasing or outright purchases, which ultimately impacts ticket prices. “We have domestic tickets and we have international tickets. I talked about domestic tickets and the fact that we don’t have access to lease aircraft at a very cheap cost. We will only go for the very expensive option of leasing aircraft or buying aircraft. We are addressing that. We will see the results very soon with the Cape Town Convention and the Dublin Conference we are going to. The deals are coming in, so we will see the results then,” he said. On improvements in security gaps, he said, “We are happy to report that Abuja and Lagos International Airport also achieved a recertification and in recertifying it, they closed more than 130 gaps at Abuja and Lagos airport. And so there’s a lot of improvement in terms of safety and security in those airports,” Keyamo stated.

3/13/2025, 7:28:35 PM

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