Championing Peace, Security in Niger Delta Through Education Promotio
By: Fidelis Soriwei | Published by: Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters
Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has emerged as a deliberate and strategic force for peace and development in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. Recognizing that lasting peace requires more than mere security measures, Otuaro has placed human capital development at the center of his administration’s efforts.
Since taking over the PAP in March 2024, Otuaro has intensified the agency’s scholarship initiatives, ensuring that education becomes a cornerstone for lasting peace in the region. While vocational training remains important, Otuaro believes that access to quality formal education is critical for youth empowerment and community development.
Under his leadership, the PAP scholarship scheme has witnessed a historic expansion. In less than two years, Otuaro has deployed 7,700 students across Nigeria, surpassing the total number of students deployed by all previous PAP heads combined. This includes 3,800 students in the 2024/2025 academic year and 3,900 students in the 2025/2026 academic session. Additionally, 162 students from the region have been granted opportunities to pursue postgraduate programs in the United Kingdom.
Otuaro has also implemented strict oversight to prevent exploitation of the scholarship scheme, setting up a closely monitored committee to ensure fairness and transparency. Beneficiaries are repeatedly reminded that the program is free and are encouraged to maximize the opportunity for the benefit of their families, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria.
The PAP Administrator attributes these achievements to the support of President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who share a genuine interest in fostering peace and development in the region.
Through these reforms, Otuaro has reinforced the link between education and security, creating a sustainable pathway for long-term peace and socio-economic growth in the Niger Delta. Observers believe that the impacts of his initiatives will resonate across communities for generations.
Fidelis Soriwei
