The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has felicitated the traditional ruler of Okochiri Kingdom in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday celebration.

In a felicitation message issued by Igoniko Oduma, his Special Assistant on Media, Otuaro described King Ateke as a great leader who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the peace and unity of not only his community but the Niger Delta in general.

He noted that the Rivers monarch, who is also the ‘Sekuro of the Niger Delta’, has contributed so much to the peace, stability, security and development of the region.

According to him, King Ateke has continued to perform his royal duties with passion and dedication since he ascended the throne, stressing that his footprints of service to the people are visible in Okochiri Kingdom.

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Dr Otuaro expressed his deep respect for the traditional institution and acknowledged the important role of royal fathers in community development.

He reiterated that traditional rulers are among critical stakeholders of the Niger Delta that the PAP would always engage and collaborate with, to strengthen the programme’s peace-building process in the region.

While celebrating King Ateke for attaining the milestone, the PAP boss urged the good people of Okochiri Kingdom to continually support him and his council of chiefs to sustain the peace and progress of the community.

He prayed that God Almighty would give King Ateke more wisdom, renewed strength, good health and long life.

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He said, “Today, I join family, friends and all people of goodwill, as well as sons and daughters of the Niger Delta, to heartily celebrate the King of Okochiri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday.

“Attaining this milestone is a proof of God’s mercy and grace upon the life of King Ateke. He is a worthy traditional ruler and a great leader who is strongly committed to the unity, peace, and progress of his community.

“We are proud of his huge contributions to the peace, stability, security and development of our region, which cannot be wished away by anybody.

“Since ascending the throne, King Ateke has continued to render commendable service, and lead his people on the path of peace and progress of Okochiri Kingdom. He has also been very supportive of efforts at peacebuilding and development of our region. It is my earnest prayer that God Almighty will grant him more wisdom, renewed strength, good health and long life.”

A view of St. Francis Catholic Church where worshippers were attacked by gunmen during Sunday mass, is pictured in Owo
A view of St. Francis Catholic Church where worshippers were attacked by gunmen during Sunday mass, is pictured in Owo

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced to death four out of the five terrorists who attacked the Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo State, in which 43 worshipers were killed.

The four that will die by hanging are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris (20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years), while Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years) was discharged and acquitted of all the charges.

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Justice Emeka Nwite pronounced the four terrorists guilty in the entire 9 count charges and ordered that they be hanged until they died.

The death sentence was pronounced in a judgment delivered by the Judge on Wednesday.

Details later…

By Jumoke Ariyo

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ireland Chapter, has inaugurated newly appointed members of its Executive Council (EXCO) during a strategic meeting held in Dublin on May 29, 2026.

The meeting was presided over by the Youth Ambassador of the chapter, Mr. Jeffrey Oronsaye, who reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strengthening youth leadership and advancing the interests of Nigerians residing in Ireland.

During the ceremony, letters of appointment were officially presented to the appointees, marking the commencement of their responsibilities within the chapter, and were charged with upholding the ideals of the organization and contributing meaningfully to its growth and development.

In a significant move aimed at enhancing institutional governance, the Executive Council adopted the Chapter’s Articles of Association as its official governing framework.

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The document is expected to provide clear guidelines for the administration, operations, and activities of the chapter, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective leadership in all its engagements.

The meeting also featured extensive deliberations on a range of upcoming programmes and events designed to promote youth development, cultural integration, and community engagement, while members discussed strategies and modalities for the successful planning and implementation of these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and active participation among Nigerian youths in Ireland.

As part of the meeting’s agenda, Mr. Oronsaye delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “The Sacrifice for Leadership” where he highlighted the values of dedication, discipline, selflessness, and commitment required for effective leadership.

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The Executive Council also expressed deep concern over the recent abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State, Nigeria, they condemned the incident and called on the Federal Government of Nigeria, as well as relevant security agencies, to intensify efforts toward securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

The meeting concluded with a dinner session that provided an avenue for networking, fellowship, and the strengthening of relationships among members.

Reaffirming its dedication to youth empowerment, leadership development, and community service, the NYCN Ireland Chapter pledged to continue implementing initiatives that positively impact Nigerians living in Ireland while fostering stronger ties with their homeland.