Youths of the Urhobo Nation and Kokori Community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State have erupted in jubilation following the release and presidential pardon of Niger Delta ex-agitator and self-acclaimed environmental activist, Kelvin Onirah.

Onirah’s freedom comes after 12 years of imprisonment and rehabilitation.

Community leaders described his story as one of redemption and a reminder of the need for the Urhobo people to stand by their own.

Now a graduate of the National Open University of Nigeria, Onirah is said to be fully rehabilitated and ready for reintegration into society.

President of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth Wing, Comrade Blessed Ughere, described the pardon as “worth celebrating,” calling for wider acceptance of Onirah and recognition of his transformation.

“Our reaction is positive. It is worth celebrating. Kelvin is a rights activist who fought against degradation and unfair treatment of the people of Kokori community,” Ughere said.

He added that the community’s excitement over Onirah’s return reflected a broader message of forgiveness and unity.

“This is something the Urhobo youths are celebrating. You could see the jubilation in Kokori last night. For naysayers, some speak out of hate for development. There are people in Nigeria who have benefitted from similar pardons. We should even ask for more—Amnesty for Kelvin and his followers, and their full reintegration into society,” he said.

Ughere further described Onirah as an environmentalist who resisted exploitation by oil thieves that impoverished his community, stressing that his efforts should be recognised rather than condemned.

“Kelvin should be celebrated. He fought against oil thieves who came to steal from his community, leaving his people in abject poverty,” he said.

He disclosed that the youth wing plans to redirect Onirah’s energy towards positive community initiatives.

“Now that he is back, we will ensure his influence benefits our society. We will build a strong reference around him and channel his energy towards the development of Urhobo land, Delta State, and Nigeria,” Ughere stated.

Expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, he said: “God bless President Bola Tinubu for his compassion in granting this pardon, cutting short the 20-year prison term. Knowing Kelvin has been rehabilitated and is now a graduate shows he has become a better person.”

Onirah was arrested in September 2013 over alleged links to kidnapping and armed robbery before serving his sentence and undergoing rehabilitation. (The Nation)