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Presidential Amnesty Programme Boss Opens Up On Termination Date

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The Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Maj.-Gen Barry Ndiomu (retd), has explained the policy document of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), saying it was originally designed to end in 2015.

Ndiomu, who spoke after a crucial meeting with the King of Okochiri in Okirika, Rivers State, Ateke Tom, at the weekend, said the life of the amnesty programme was extended by the Federal Government beyond its terminal year following some exigencies.

Ndiomu’s meeting with King Ateke Tom, an ex-warlord and key figure of PAP, was one of a series of engagements geared towards peace and confidence building as well as a consultative and fact-finding mission to the region.

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READ ALSO: FG Moves To End Amnesty Programme, Group Kicks

Reacting to concerns and fears raised by some stakeholders, he said the PAP would not be abruptly terminated, assuring that he would constantly visit the region.

Ndiomu said: “The whole idea is to get them (stakeholders) to understand the fact that first of all the amnesty programme itself by name will end. It’s not intended to be an endless exercise. Originally as you will recall it was intended to be terminated in the year 2015. But for certain reasons of exigency it was extended beyond 2015.

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“We need to also educate them on the need to focus more on the fact that there could be a terminal date at some point and we all need to work together towards that so we do not lose focus from the primary objective of the scheme which is in itself intended to terminate at some point.”

Ndiomu, who thanked the monarch for the warm reception accorded him and his team, also applauded the king for his tireless efforts to sustain peace in his kingdom and the Niger Delta region.

The PAP boss assured the monarch that the Federal Government was committed to driving the rapid development of the region and called for support from everyone.

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READ ALSO: JUST IN: Buhari Appoints ex-General Amnesty Programme Administrator

He said: “I came to introduce myself as the new interim Administrator and also to acquaint him with the general policy direction of the federal government as regards the amnesty programme.

“We were very well received, we listened to him, his needs and reservations that he expressed, we will also move that to the authorities to let them know this was his reaction. He was generally satisfied and he is very willing to cooperate and work with us to ensure that the intentions of the government are fully actualised”.

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Okpebholo, Idahosa Bag UNIBEN Distinguished Service, Leadership Awards

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo and his deputy, Hon Dennis Idahosa have been awarded the University of Benin Distinguished Service and Leadership Awards, respectively, for their exemplary leadership styles since assumption of office on November 12, 2024.

The awards, which were conferred on them by the university’s Vice Chairman, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, is part of the activities lined up for the institution’s Faculty of Social Sciences golden jubilee celebration.

The deputy governor who received the awards said expressed delight for the recognition by the university as an alumnus.

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“It is an honour to be part of this historic occasion marking the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

READ ALSO:Idahosa Hails Insurance 1-0 Thrashing Of Niger Tornadoes

“For five decades, this faculty has produced outstanding scholars and change-makers who have contributed immensely to national and global development,” he said.

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The deputy governor commended the faculty’s legacy of excellence, describing it as “a beacon of research, critical thinking, and civic engagement.”

He praised the university for its role in shaping generations of leaders who continue to influence public policy and nation-building.

Reflecting on the governor Okpebholo-led administration’s priorities, Idahosa reiterated the governor’s commitment to revitalising education in the state.

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READ ALSO:Idahosa Lauds Edo Specialist Hospital Facilities

“The administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo is committed to strengthening the education sector, with a particular focus on inclusivity and infrastructure.

“We are determined to guarantee access to quality education for all, including children with special needs,” he stated.

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Idahosa concluded with an appeal to students to steer clear of vices, particularly cultism, stressing that the government would deal decisively with anyone found engaging in such acts.

“You are our most precious assets and the hope of a prosperous Nigeria. Shun all forms of vices and violence. Focus on your studies and become agents of positive change,” he pleaded.

READ ALSO:Idahosa Optimistic Shaibu Will Perform As National Sports Institute DG

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Speaking on a lecture titled: ‘We Will all Be Consumed Unless,’ Prof. Brownwell Amadasun, sparked lively reactions among attendees as the academic delved into Nigeria’s foundational challenges and their lingering impact on national development.

Amadasun critiqued the ideological roots of the Nigerian state, asserting that the nation’s founding fathers laid a framework deeply entrenched in ethnic and religious divisions.

“Our national leaders were ethnic leaders. They laid the foundation we are struggling with today. Ethnicity and religious allegiance continue to hinder national growth. We must move away from it or we will all be consumed,” he said.

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He called for a fundamental shift in leadership philosophy and collective mindset to foster unity and sustainable progress.

The Faculty’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue throughout the week with lectures, exhibitions, and alumni engagements celebrating five decades of scholarship, service, and societal impact.

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Reps Move To Regulate Cryptocurrency, POS Operations

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Concerned about the growing cases of cybercrime, money laundering, and terrorism financing linked to digital finance platforms, the House of Representatives has set up an ad hoc committee to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale (POS) operations in Nigeria.

Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, who inaugurated the committee on Monday in Abuja, said the move became necessary amid increasing concerns over fraud and consumer exploitation in the country’s rapidly expanding digital finance ecosystem.

He noted that while Nigeria’s resilient economy has the potential to support cryptocurrency growth, the risks associated with its unregulated operations, including its use for illicit financial flows, cannot be overlooked.

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Abbas explained that the absence of clear regulatory guidelines, coupled with the volatility and complexity of digital assets, compelled the House to intervene and establish a regulatory and consumer protection framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), including cryptocurrencies and crypto-assets.

READ ALSO:NNPP Expels Reps Member, Drags Him To Court

He said Nigeria’s economy has consistently demonstrated resilience, often recovering from recessions and recording growth in non-oil sectors, making it a potentially strong environment for cryptocurrency trade. However, he cautioned that the vulnerabilities inherent in digital currency operations must not be underestimated.

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“It is because of this absence of clear rules, coupled with the volatility and complexity of the technology, that the House of Representatives found it imperative to establish regulations and consumer protection measures that will regulate the activities of Virtual Assets Service Providers, including cryptocurrencies and crypto assets,” Abbas said.

He added that the committee’s mandate includes conducting public hearings to gather input from stakeholders that would guide the House in developing legislation for a comprehensive regulatory framework governing cryptocurrency and other digital finance platforms.

READ ALSO:Court Case Stalls Reps Hearing On Takeover Of Benue, Zamfara Houses Of Assembly

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The Speaker urged members of the committee to discharge their duties with patriotism and integrity, ensuring that the best interests of the nation guide their work.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Olufemi Bamisile (APC–Ekiti), described the assignment as one of national importance aimed at striking a balance between financial innovation and national security.

“We have been entrusted with a task of national significance — to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale operations in Nigeria,” Bamisile said.

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He added that the committee would work closely with key regulatory and security agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force.

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World Habitat Day: Okpebholo Commends Building Control Agency For Developmental Milestones

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has commended the management and staff of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA) for their significant contributions to urban growth and infrastructural development across the state.

The governor gave the commendation on Monday when he played host to the delegation of the agency in his office as part of programme to mark this year’s World Habitat Day celebration.

The deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa who received the team on his behalf, commended the agency led by the Managing Director, Mr. Imoisili Igabali, for its “selfless contributions” to the development of our dear state.

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In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa noted that the agency had played a pivotal role in driving urban renewal and enforcing modern building standards in the State, describing their efforts as vital to the government’s vision of sustainable city planning.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Okpehbolo Appoints New VC For AAU

“We want to thank you for being part of the growth and development of our dear state. Your work has not gone unnoticed.

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“What is most important to us is that we have the political will to ensure that this agency continues to fulfill its mandate effectively,” he stated.

He expressed optimism on the future of urban development in Edo State and pledged continued government support for the agency’s initiatives.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, I want to thank you for this wonderful day.

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“We congratulate you as a state, and we thank God for giving us a capable leader in Mr. Igabali, whose dedication and teamwork continue to yield results,” he said.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Warns Companies Against Fuelling Edo–Delta Boundary Dispute

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the agency expressed appreciation to the Governor and his deputy for their support and for taking the time to receive the agency’s delegation during the World Habitat Day observance.

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The 2025 World Habitat Day celebration in Edo State was marked with renewed calls for sustainable housing, improved infrastructure, and enhanced urban management — key pillars of the Okpebholo administration’s development agenda.

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