By Cletus Opukeme, Warri
The Special Adviser to President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro has pledged that the programme will have a tremendous change on educational and vocational training of beneficiaries.
The special adviser to Mr. President made the disclosure while exchanging ideas and unfolding his vision to phase two delegates in day two consultative and interactive meeting on consolidating peace and security and development in Niger Delta region.
According to him, ” I will ensure the programme goes beyond mere monthly payment of the N65,000 stipend. Through the support of Mr. President, I will bring the programme up to the original goals and visions of the initiator late President Musa Yar’Adua of blessed memories.
” The intervention initiative as one with a vision beyond the payment of N65,000 monthly stipend.
”The need for unity and collaboration as strategic initiatives aimed at deepening the impact of the Amnesty Program, which has been instrumental in fostering peace and development in the Niger Delta region” He emphasized.
Continuing, The importance of inclusive development, advocating for foreign scholarships and skill acquisition, extensive training programmes, and empowerment for those who have already undergone training.
He highlighted the necessity of correcting irregularities within the current system to ensure that the benefits of the programme are evenly distributed and accessible to all eligible participants.
“If we can sustain this peace and generate great ideas, I am pretty sure that we can present a compelling case to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to get the blue print of the programme in line with his hope and developmental agenda”
He expressed assurance that President Tinubu is committed to the development of the Niger Delta, and he believes that with the President’s support, the Amnesty Program can reach new heights.
Otuaro called for unity among stakeholders, urging them to avoid divisive actions and to communicate any genuine concerns directly to him. He announced plans to engage with critical stakeholders who are not currently beneficiaries of the Amnesty Program, aiming to include them in the development process through initiatives similar to the PACOSOL framework for the overall benefit of all beneficiaries.
