The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is implementing a carefully crafted strategy to tackle the longstanding challenges of development, economic growth, and sustainable peace in the Niger Delta region.
Stakeholders Endorse Presidential Strategy
Otuaro made these declarations during a significant town hall meeting held over the weekend in Lagos. The gathering brought together PAP stakeholders and Niger Delta residents, hosted by prominent activist and founder of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, Joseph Eva.
The event attracted numerous notable figures from the region, including Prince Tonye Harry, Chairman of Ijaw National Congress Lagos chapter; Prof. Dauphin Moro; Titus Posibi; Mrs Amarian Benedicta; Mrs Ogbogbo; Evangelist Agboro; Emmanuel Fiawe; Robert Fiawe; Elder Regent Youmor; Mrs Rosemary Aluko; and Owen Naphatin, Chairman of IYC Lagos chapter.
Renewed Hope Agenda Yielding Results
According to Otuaro, President Tinubu's strategic approach, encapsulated in his Renewed Hope Agenda, is demonstrating measurable success in the Niger Delta. The administration's deliberate efforts are effectively addressing the triple challenges of development, security, and sustainable peace that have long plagued the region.
The Tinubu administration has not only restored peace in the area but is also delivering on its campaign promises around human capacity and infrastructure development for the area, Otuaro emphasized during his address.
The PAP boss specifically highlighted the crucial support from the President and the National Security Adviser, which has enabled the expansion of the scholarship scheme and other milestone achievements in vocational training, peacebuilding, and stakeholder engagement.
Human Resource Development as Cornerstone
Otuaro stressed that human resource development remains fundamental to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta people. He identified this as a critical component in achieving lasting peace and security in the region, noting that educated and skilled populations are better equipped to contribute to regional stability and economic growth.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the Ford Foundation have officially concluded the Bridges Project with a high-level stakeholders' dialogue forum.
The forum brought together leaders from government, settlors, regulators, representatives of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), and communities to reflect on lessons from four years of implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly its HCDT provisions.
The two-day stakeholders' forum, themed "Four Years of the PIA: Lessons, Gains, and the Path Forward for Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs)," convened over 150 participants who discussed the way forward for sustainable development in host communities across the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of PIND Foundation, Mr Sam Ogbemi Daibo, noted that the forum marked a pivotal step in consolidating lessons from the Bridges Project for future implementation, ensuring that host communities benefit directly from extractive activities as envisioned by the PIA.
