Urhobo Ex-Militants Laud Dr. Charles Ariye for Exceptional Scholarship Delivery in Presidential Amnesty Programme
By Wilson Macaulay, Warri
In a glowing tribute that underscores the impact of education in post-conflict transformation, the leadership of the Urhobo Ex-Militants Forum has lauded Dr. Charles Ariye, Head of Education, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), for what they described as “unparalleled service delivery and outstanding commitment to the academic reintegration of Ex-Millitants in the Niger Delta.”
Speaking during a press briefing in Warri, Hon. Chief Ese Arigo, President of the Urhobo Ex-Militants Forum and Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Security Matters, hailed DR Charles Ariye’s stewardship in repositioning the educational wing of the Amnesty Programme.
According to him, Dr. Ariye’s policies and proactive leadership have opened up new opportunities for Ex-Militants to access higher education, vocational training, and skills acquisition across Nigeria and beyond.
> “Dr. Charles Ariye has brought a new level of credibility, discipline, and transparency to the scholarship unit of PAP. His impact is not only visible but deeply felt by many of us who have transitioned from the creeks to classrooms, and now to contributing meaningfully to society,” Hon Chief Ese Arigo stated.
He noted that the achievements recorded under Dr. Charles Ariye’s leadership have further validated the original intent of the Amnesty Programme — to empower and reintegrate former agitators through sustainable human capital development.
Over 60 First-Class Graduates and Counting
Under Dr. Charles Ariye’s tenure as Head of Education, the PAP has celebrated notable academic milestones. Between 2016 and 2023, over 60 PAP-sponsored students graduated with First-Class Honours in fields including Law, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Biochemistry, and more. One of the most outstanding examples is Kemien Egbekun, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.77 in Law from Michael and Cecilia Ibru University.
Hon Chief Arigo the Urhobo Ex-Millitants Forum President described these feats as “living proof” that when given the right support, Ex- Millitants can compete and excel at the highest levels of academic pursuit.
> “Dr. Charles Ariye’s tenure has not only given us hope — it has given us results. These first-class graduates are proof that the Amnesty Programme is working under his watch,” Chief Arigo added.
Building Legacies Beyond Amnesty
In addition to academic scholarships, Dr. Ariye has spearheaded partnerships with institutions such as Hensard University and other reputable educational bodies to expand access to entrepreneurship, innovation, and vocational training for Ex-Militants. This, according to Chief Arigo, is a step in the right direction towards building sustainable livelihoods and reducing insecurity in the region.
The Urhobo Ex-Militants Forum called on the Federal Government, the Administrator of PAP, Chief Dennis Otuaro and relevant stakeholders to continue supporting Dr. Charles Ariye in his efforts to deepen the impact of the PAP Scholarship programme.
“Leadership is about results, not rhetoric. Dr. Charles Ariye has proven himself to be a dedicated technocrat who is focused on results, not politics. We are proud of his achievements and we are by this publication encouraging him to keep the flag flying,” he concluded.
