The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reiterated his commitment to strengthening the programme’s impact across the Niger Delta region by working closely with all relevant stakeholders.
Dr. Otuaro made this known when he received a delegation from the Coalition of Ndokwa Project on a courtesy visit to the PAP headquarters in Abuja. He emphasized that his administration has embarked on comprehensive reforms aimed at reinvigorating the programme and widening its scope to accommodate more beneficiaries from across the region.
“The Ndokwa people are an integral part of the Niger Delta and have been included in various aspects of the programme,” Otuaro stated. “They benefit from our scholarship schemes, vocational training programmes, and are also part of our workforce.”
He noted that his leadership’s inclusive policy was already driving the expansion of the scholarship initiative, while a new empowerment programme aimed at women across the region would be rolled out in the near future. These developments, he stressed, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable peace, stability, and economic development in the Niger Delta.
Addressing the visiting delegation, Otuaro said:
“When I came on board, I carried out reforms with the vision to reposition the programme and include more stakeholders. Over the past year, our efforts have been spread across the board to ensure no group is left behind.
“Things that fall within my mandate are being implemented quietly but effectively. His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has given us a clear directive, and our efforts in education and vocational training are part of that vision.
“We have a good number of Ndokwa youths benefiting from both onshore and offshore scholarships, and there are also Ndokwa indigenes working within the programme. This is a shared programme for the entire region, and I am committed to fairness and equity. It is a pleasure to receive you here today, and I assure you that I will not disappoint.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Coalition of Ndokwa Project, High Chief Dennis Okoh, commended Otuaro for the strides made since assuming office. He highlighted the need for increased representation of Ndokwa people in the PAP’s initiatives, especially given the area’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
High Chief Okoh also called for greater access to scholarship and vocational training programmes for Ndokwa youths and appealed for more targeted empowerment opportunities for the area.
The delegation concluded the visit by passing a vote of confidence in Dr. Otuaro, praising his commitment to equitable engagement and urging him to continue enlisting the participation of all critical stakeholders in achieving the overarching goals of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
This report was signed and released by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.
