1,000 Niger Deltans will be empowered through vocational training, says Otuaro

Dennis Otuaro, administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), says his office has designed a scheme to empower at least 1,000 Niger Deltans through formal and informal education. 

In a statement issued on Friday, Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro’s media aide, said the PAP leader spoke when the national leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Otuaro called for unity among Ijaw people, while assuring the INC leadership that he would not disappoint the Ijaw nation.

He said he would make the programme better with innovations and transparency, adding that his administration would increase the number of students on scholarship from the current 275.

“I will not be carried away on this assignment. I will make sure that as an Ijaw man, I will not disappoint the Ijaw National Congress. The INC is the umbrella voice of the Ijaw people. I will not work at cross-purposes with the aspirations of our Niger Delta people,” Otuaro said.

“In doing that, I will also make sure that I promote the strong will Mr President has towards the development of the Niger Delta.

“As a people, it is when we are united and support the aspirations of our people, that Mr President will even listen to us. We need to work together.

“I will always do the right things here; make sure this programme under this administration focuses on empowerment of our youths through formal and informal education. I will not use backdoor to do something that is worth doing.”

Benjamin Okaba, INC president, thanked Otuaro for providing “innovative leadership” at PAP.

Okaba said President Bola Tinubu made the right choice by appointing Otuaro to lead PAP.

He also said the Ijaw nation has expressed satisfaction with Otuaro’s “laudable performance”, particularly in ensuring a paradigm shift in the programme.

“When we heard that you are the one appointed to this highly exalted position, we felt very happy. Today, it is to familiarise ourselves and to understand the terrain,” Okaba said.

“We want to say that you have started very well. We have seen the paradigm shift in many areas. We want to appreciate you.

“Ijaw people are talking well about you; you are a very pragmatic person, an engager and somebody who is not pursued by problems. Rather, when they come, you confront them frontally.

“The Ijaw issues of marginalisation, exploitation and underdevelopment etc, are receiving a much-needed attention.

“You can interpret those salient points of Ijaw agitation, and you understand the peculiarities of this engagement.

“You understand your assignment and Ijaw nation is waiting. You are already doing very well, you have our prayers and support.”