The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) for Ex-Niger Delta militants on Monday in Yenagoa, has promised to make economic integration of the former agitators a priority in their activities.
This is as the PAP’s Interim Administrator, retired Col. Millan Dikio, said the strategy of the economic integration of these agitators was designed to transform the ex-militants into entrepreneurs to create wealth and drive development.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the pledge is contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the PAP Administrator, Mr Nneotaobase Egbe. Dikio, in the statement, said that having laid the foundation of his vision in his first year in office, the time for action had come, to produce the desired result for the benefit of all.
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What the PAP Administrator said in the statement
Dikko, at separate meetings with leaders of the first and third phases of the PAP in Uyo, said his quest to leave a strong legacy was driven by his passion for the development of the region.
He advised the ex-militants to look beyond the N65,000 monthly stipends and take advantage of the economic activities around them.
He said, “Within the short time I have, we will change things for the better. That is why we have changed the model of training that you get to the Train-Employ-Mentor model.
“They are the kind of training that will make you self-sufficient and qualified to have a job that you will be paid far above the monthly stipend; training that will bring more value to you.’’
Dikko revealed that PAP plans to hold a summit in Warri, Delta, where participants would be taught how to grow and manage businesses, and also highlight the opportunities in the city and the region in general.
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He maintained that the Niger Delta region remains the richest part of the country not just because of oil and gas, but because of its other natural endowments, which include human capital, farm produce and fisheries waiting to be explored by willing hands.
The PAP interim Administrator said, “We have to be competitive in the water business and take advantage of the blue economy. The Niger Delta is blessed with a lot of opportunities and we need to take charge. We are organising a summit in Warri soon. Warri used to be an oil city with lots of activities, but now it has become like a ghost town.
“We want to highlight what the city has, its economic importance and also for entrepreneurial purpose. We have to do everything possible to bring back businesses to the region. I keep saying this, that if you are not providing service you can’t be rich. Once you have what you are offering and when you are able to take care of yourself, nobody can insult you.’’
What you should know
Recall that about 2 weeks ago, President Muhammadu Buhari, approved the renewal of the appointment of retired Col. M.D Dikio as Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for another one-year tenure.
Dikio was first appointed as Interim Administrator (Amnesty Programme) on August 21, 2020, following the disengagement of Professor Charles Dokubo from Office as the Coordinator of, Amnesty Programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that on Oct. 14, Mr. Femi Adesina, Spokesman for President Muhammadu Buhari, announced that the president had approved the reappointment of Dikio for another year.
