Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has called on stakeholders in the Niger Delta to sustain the prevailing peace in the region and maintain strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing the President as a sincere and committed partner in the region’s development.

Otuaro made the call in Abuja while declaring open a three-day strategic training on leadership, alternative dispute resolution and mediation, organized by PAP in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre for selected stakeholders of the Programme.

He emphasized that the training reflects PAP’s renewed drive to deepen inclusivity and expand stakeholder participation in its activities, in line with the objectives of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Let me inform us that the objectives of this initiative, in the main, highlight the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his administration’s strong commitment and dedication to sustainable peace, security, stability, socio-economic growth and development of the Niger Delta and indeed the country,” Otuaro said.

He stressed that sustained peace in the Niger Delta is vital for long-term socio-economic growth in the region, urging communities to consolidate on the gains made so far.

“I urge all stakeholders and the people of the Niger Delta to continue to support President Tinubu and work resolutely with his administration to do more for the region, even in the coming years. He will not fail the region, I assure you,” he said.

The PAP boss also highlighted key achievements of the Programme under his leadership in the past year, including the expansion of the scholarship scheme, vocational training for former agitators, and a more inclusive approach to the implementation of PAP’s core mandate.

Otuaro specifically lauded President Tinubu for approving the establishment of a Rehabilitation Unit within PAP, an element he described as a “vital component” of the Programme which had not existed previously.

“I am most grateful to President Tinubu for his massive support to the PAP, particularly his gracious approval of my recent proposal to set up a Rehabilitation Unit in the programme. This will help cater to related aspects of the programme’s mandate.”

Otuaro also extended appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for what he described as “encouragement and flawless supervision” of the Programme.

He charged participants at the training to take the exercise seriously, adding that the workshop was designed to enhance their roles in community-level conflict resolution.

“This strategic workshop is a platform designed to sharpen your leadership skills and deepen your understanding of the essence of conflict resolution and mediation, to bring about peace and development in our communities and region in the implementation of the PAP’s mandate,” he said.

“Engage actively and take valuable lessons away that would guide your conduct and approach to resolving issues and disputes that may arise around you or within your spheres of influence in the interest of the Niger Delta and the country.”

The event brought together PAP stakeholders, facilitators from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and other peace-building experts focused on equipping participants with tools to support grassroots mediation and sustain regional peace.