PAP: Otuaro reiterates commitment, assures of creating opportunities beyond N65, 0000 stipend

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has revealed that the reforms he is implementing are designed to give the programme a more humanitarian focus and to foster the development of the Niger Delta population for a brighter future.

He emphasized that these efforts extend beyond simply providing the N65,000 monthly stipends to ex-agitators, aiming instead to add meaningful value to the programme.

Dr. Otuaro made these remarks during a closed-door meeting in Yenagoa on Saturday, attended by leaders of ex-agitators from Bayelsa State, including His Royal Highness Selky Kile Torughedi, known as General Young Shall Grow, and Jonathan Lokpobiri, the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

Otuaro shared that his commitment has been buoyed by the strong backing of President Bola Tinubu, who is attentive to the challenges faced by the region and supportive of initiatives to enhance the programme.

He called for unity among the Ijaw and all Niger Delta people, stressing the importance of encouraging the president to create more growth opportunities for the region.

“As soon as we assumed leadership, we initiated reforms aimed at adding value to the programme beyond the monthly N65,000 stipends to ex-agitators. If we do not enhance the programme, we will fail to cultivate the future of our people,” he stated.

“My priority is to ensure the programme is viewed as having a positive impact on the community and genuinely benefiting the people. We need to focus on developing our population, especially now, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizing our challenges and providing significant support. The more united we are, the greater the chances for progress; if we are divided, we risk not being taken seriously.”

During the meeting, he informed stakeholders that the PAP has trained 98 beneficiaries in maritime skills acquisition over the past year. Additionally, four pilot trainees graduated from a programme in South Africa, and 45 participants are set to graduate from aviation engineering training in Lagos this March.

Regarding the deployment of scholarship beneficiaries for the 2024/2025 academic session in various partner universities, Otuaro explained that he ensured a thorough and transparent process, raising the number of beneficiaries from an initial 1,700 to 2,500. He emphasized his intention to safeguard the integrity of the scheme against any attempt to hijack it.

He also announced plans for an economic empowerment program targeting women in the region and leadership training for ex-agitator leaders and other key stakeholders in the upcoming months.

Otuaro reiterated his commitment to serving the people of the Niger Delta and appealed for the support and cooperation of all stakeholders who cherish the region’s welfare.

Former ex-agitator leader Paul Eris, known as General Ogunboss, along with Bony Ayah, a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and Lokpobiri, praised Dr. Otuaro for his efforts to restore the programme’s focus on the community and urged stakeholders to back his initiatives. They also acknowledged the visionary leadership of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, for his unmatched commitment to the liberation of the Niger Delta.

Others present at the meeting included General Africa Ukparasia, General Pius, General Darikoro, Elaye Slabo, Iziri Lucky, and Hon. Gibson.