Relief for Ailing Ijaw Music Legend as PAP Boss Dennis Otuaro Responds Within Three Days After Public Appeal
By Passman Akpos
Relief has finally come for veteran Ijaw musician and “Yeibiri” crooner, Sugar Ere Lizzy Famous, following a swift intervention by the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, after widespread public appeals over her deteriorating health.
The intervention came just three days after her heartbreaking condition was highlighted in a Facebook publication by Miike Ekiye TV – The Ijaw Podcast, a report that was also carried by Tarakirivoice under the headline: “Forgotten Legend? 90s Niger Delta Music Star Sugar Ere Found Critically Ill After Selling Everything to Survive.”
In a message expressing gratitude, the team behind Miike Ekiye TV – The Ijaw Podcast commended Otuaro for his prompt response.
“Special thanks to High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). Within three days of our Facebook publication on Miike Ekiye TV – The Ijaw Podcast, he responded swiftly to the health challenge of Sugar Ere Lizzy Famous, the ‘Yeibiri’ crooner of 1996. We are grateful for your intervention, sir. Mbana.”
The intervention has been widely applauded by members of the Niger Delta and Ijaw communities, who described Otuaro’s action as compassionate and timely.
Sugar Ere’s story had touched many hearts after veteran entertainer Mike Ekiye discovered her critically ill during what was meant to be an exclusive interview for his podcast. The singer revealed she had battled illness for over four years and had sold virtually all her possessions in a desperate effort to fund medical treatment.
The revelation sparked widespread concern across social media, with many Nigerians expressing sadness that one of the Niger Delta’s most celebrated female voices of the 1990s had been left to struggle alone despite her immense contributions to Ijaw music and culture.
Following the public outcry, calls were made to the Bayelsa State Government, prominent Ijaw leaders, cultural stakeholders, and well-meaning Nigerians to come to her aid.
The swift response by the Presidential Amnesty Programme has now given supporters renewed hope that the veteran singer will receive the medical care she urgently needs.
Many have also commended Mike Ekiye and the media for bringing Sugar Ere’s plight to national attention, noting that the development demonstrates the power of responsible journalism and public advocacy in changing lives.
While expressing appreciation for the intervention, supporters continue to encourage individuals and organisations to contribute towards Sugar Ere’s recovery until she regains full health, describing the assistance she has received so far as an important first step in restoring hope to one of the Niger Delta’s treasured cultural icons.
