The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has urged stakeholders in the Niger Delta to protect the hard-earned peace in the region and continue backing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, the Niger Delta has made significant progress in recent years, and it is crucial that all efforts be made to maintain stability so that ongoing development initiatives can yield lasting results.
Dr. Otuaro made this call in Abuja during a three-day strategic training programme that brought together selected stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The training focused on leadership, conflict resolution, and mediation. It was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, as part of the government’s wider effort to equip regional actors with the skills needed to manage local disputes and foster peace.
While addressing the participants, Dr. Otuaro emphasized the importance of strategic dialogue and inclusive governance. He explained that the Amnesty Programme remains a vital tool for peacebuilding in the Niger Delta and that the gains made so far must not be taken for granted. He commended the participants for their willingness to learn and their continued commitment to peaceful engagement, which, he said, reflects their dedication to the long-term wellbeing of the region.
The Administrator also noted that President Tinubu has shown a clear interest in the success of the Amnesty Programme and the wider development of the Niger Delta. According to him, the administration has made it a priority to engage with the people, empower former agitators, and ensure that peace remains the foundation for growth. He stressed that the President’s commitment is not only visible through policies but also in the continued funding and expansion of capacity-building efforts across the region.
Dr. Otuaro called on the stakeholders not to lose focus or be distracted by divisive elements. He reminded them that true progress can only be achieved when communities work together, resolve conflicts peacefully, and hold onto the principles of dialogue and reconciliation. He urged leaders at the grassroots level to step into their roles with responsibility and to use the knowledge gained from the training to build more resilient and harmonious communities.
The event was well received by participants, many of whom described the sessions as eye-opening and empowering. Several attendees shared how the lessons on mediation and alternative dispute resolution would help them de-escalate tensions in their local areas and reduce reliance on confrontational tactics. They expressed gratitude to the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the Nigerian Army Resource Centre for creating such a practical and timely opportunity.
As the three-day training came to a close, Dr. Otuaro reiterated that peace is the foundation for everything the region aspires to achieve. He appealed to all stakeholders to play their part and remain firm in their commitment to unity and development. The Administrator promised that under his leadership, the Amnesty Programme would remain transparent, inclusive, and focused on empowering individuals and communities to build a stronger, more peaceful Niger Delta.
