Otuaro Say Tinubu’s Support Don Strengthen Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, don say the strong support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has helped strengthen the programme’s peacebuilding efforts, scholarship schemes, vocational training and stakeholder engagement across the Niger Delta.
Otuaro made the statement on Monday during the opening of the sixth batch of the two-day PAP Stakeholders’ Capacity-Building Workshop held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
The workshop, according to the PAP Administrator, focuses on leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and mediation, as part of the programme’s efforts to promote peace, conflict resolution and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
Over 9,800 Beneficiaries Undergoing Training
Otuaro disclosed that the Amnesty Programme has recorded significant progress over the past two years, especially in the areas of scholarship, vocational training, post-training empowerment and stakeholder engagement.
He revealed that 247 beneficiaries are currently receiving offshore training, while 9,562 beneficiaries are undergoing various training programmes within Nigeria, bringing the total number of trainees to 9,809.
According to him, the capacity-building workshop is designed to equip community stakeholders with leadership skills and practical knowledge on peaceful conflict resolution.
He described participants as “Peace Ambassadors” of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, urging them to promote peace, security and unity across the Niger Delta.
“The objectives of this initiative reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to sustainable peace, security, stability and socio-economic development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. You are the President’s Peace Ambassadors in the region,” Otuaro said.
Tinubu Commended for Increased Funding
The PAP Administrator praised President Tinubu for approving an increase in the programme’s budget and endorsing the establishment of a Rehabilitation Unit, which he described as a major milestone in expanding the Amnesty Programme’s mandate.
According to Otuaro, the new unit will help address rehabilitation needs that were previously not covered by the programme.
He also encouraged stakeholders to embrace dialogue, mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution as effective tools for settling disputes peacefully instead of allowing conflicts to escalate.
Otuaro stressed that while disagreements are inevitable, they should never derail the region’s pursuit of lasting peace, stability and development.
Appreciates Ribadu, Others
The PAP boss also thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his guidance and support, saying his supervision has contributed significantly to the programme’s recent achievements.
He further appreciated the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, the National Defence College, the Alumni Association of the National Defence College, and the workshop facilitators for their continued collaboration.
Otuaro urged participants to make good use of the training by applying the knowledge gained to promote peace and resolve conflicts within their communities for the benefit of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
