From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
THE Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum, IYCF, Friday, hailed the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr Dennis Otuaro, over enormous achievements and leadership style while marking one year in office.
The commendation was made in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, IYCF, High Chief Preye Raphael Ebizimor, where Otuaro’s leadership was described as transformative on the heels of his groundbreaking achievements recorded in one year, and these have proven the passion and patriotism he has for the region.
Ebizimor said: “The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), under the transformative leadership of Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD, proudly marks its one-year anniversary, showcasing a series of groundbreaking achievements recorded in 2024. These accomplishments reflect PAP’s unwavering commitment to advancing peace-building, enhancing security, and fostering human capital development and economic empowerment in the Niger Delta region. Aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the programme has not only strengthened regional stability but also created sustainable opportunities for ex-agitators and their communities.
“Through strategic partnerships, vocational training, educational support, and stakeholder engagements, PAP continues to pave the way for lasting peace and inclusive growth, reaffirming its pivotal role in driving national development and prosperity.
Meanwhile, the IYCN boss expressed optimism that, “The Presidential Amnesty Programme, guided by Chief Dennis Otuaro’s strategic leadership, remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the Niger Delta.
“Looking ahead, PAP envisions a future anchored on sustainable development, where ex-agitators are not only empowered with essential skills but are also integrated into the economic fabric of the region.
“Through strategic partnerships, targeted vocational training, and continuous stakeholder engagement, PAP is building a resilient ecosystem where the local economy flourishes, regional stability is strengthened, and hope is restored.
“Every programme and initiative is a deliberate step toward creating a thriving Niger Delta, aligned with the broader national goals of growth, unity, and progress.”
According to him (Ebizimor), some of the PAP’s boss’ notable achievements worth reflecting on in terms of empowering lives through vocational training and economic development is the aviation sector include; Deployment of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers for On-the-Job Training (OJT): 40 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) successfully type-rated on ERJ–145 and CRJ–900/B737 aircraft by Alom Aviation Services Limited. Deployment of 37 AMEs for their mandatory one-year OJT in March 2024:16 AMEs at 7 Star Global Hangar; 21 AMEs at Aero Contractors Limited; 1 AME at King Airlines and Travels Limited; Graduation of Four Cadet Pilots from SimAero Training Limited, South Africa: Four cadet pilots completed type rating on ERJ–145 and ATR72–500, returning to Nigeria in June 2024.
He said: “Deployment of two cadet pilots to Caverton Helicopters, Lagos: Following their exceptional performance at Henley Air Flight Training in Johannesburg, South Africa, two cadets advanced to their Type Rating Course at Caverton Helicopters in May 2024.
“Maritime sector; Training and Deployment of 98 Maritime Cadets: 88 cadets for Sea Time training 10 cadets for Officer of the Watch certification; A one-month Bootcamp/Refresher Course was conducted at Joemarine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research in Delta State, completed in November 2024, to reintegrate and update cadets on their maritime skills.
“Expanding access to formal education; Recognizing education as a cornerstone of sustainable reintegration, PAP made significant strides in formal education: Scholarship Deployment: Over 2,500 students deployed for the 2024/2025 academic session, both onshore and offshore. Graduation Milestones: 397 students graduated in 2024: Onshore graduates: 378; Offshore graduates: 19.
“Strengthening stakeholder engagement for peace and stability; Stakeholders Engagement Summit (June 2024): Day 1: Engagement with Phase One Leaders to assess past successes and discuss future strategies; Day 2: Meeting with Phase Two Leaders to address stipend increments, BVN complications, and more empowerment programmes; Day 3: Dialogue with Phase Three Leaders, focusing on inclusivity and expanding skills training; Day 4: Consultations with Traditional Leaders, advocating for sustained scholarships, enhanced economic programs, and expanded reintegration; Preventing the October 1st Protest (September 2024): A proactive five-day summit themed “Working Together for Sustainable Peace, Security, and Stability” prevented a planned protest by fostering dialogue among traditional rulers, women leaders, and camp leaders.
“Strategic partnerships driving peace, security, and economic development; Chief Dennis Otuaro’s administration forged strong alliances with key government agencies to secure long-term peace and growth in the Niger Delta: Collaboration with Defence Headquarters: Strengthened efforts to combat oil theft alongside Major General Jamil Jimoh, boosting Nigeria’s oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day through joint security strategies and intelligence sharing.
“Engagement with the Federal Civil Service: Partnered with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, to create employment pathways for PAP beneficiaries, bridging the gap between training and job placements.
“Counter-Terrorism collaboration: Partnered with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) to address security threats, particularly oil-related crimes, through intelligence-sharing and coordinated responses.
“Diplomatic engagement: Explored foreign collaborations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to attract investment, enhance skill acquisition programs, and create global employment opportunities for ex-agitators.
“Advancing peace, security, and development in the Niger Delta; Marking one year in office, PAP Administrator Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro emphasized the shift from stipends to sustainable empowerment, vocational training, and economic growth in the Niger Delta. Commending security efforts by Tantita Security Services and urging collaboration among stakeholders, he reaffirmed his commitment to lasting peace and development.”