Tinubu Commends PAP’s Scholarship Expansion, Stakeholder Engagement, Peacebuilding Drive — Otuaro
…As 4,500 Niger Delta Students Gain University Scholarships in 2025
By NigerDelta Voice Reporters,
Delta State Correspondent,
16th, December 2025.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep satisfaction with the remarkable strides recorded by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in strengthening peace, unity, and human capital development across the Niger Delta region.
This disclosure was made by the Administrator of the PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, at the flag-off ceremony of the fourth batch of the two-day Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders, held on Monday at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
The capacity-building programme, organised in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), follows three successful batches conducted between July and August 2025 at the same venue, reinforcing the agency’s renewed commitment to inclusive peacebuilding and stakeholder empowerment.
Dr. Otuaro stated that President Tinubu is particularly delighted with the expanded scholarship scheme, the inclusive stakeholder engagement framework, and the sustainable peacebuilding process being implemented by the PAP in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the President’s unwavering support stems from his firm resolve to ensure lasting peace, stability, and socio-economic development in the region.
He emphasised that the ongoing leadership workshop remains a cornerstone of the PAP’s peace architecture, describing stakeholders as not just partners, but ambassadors of peace entrusted with advancing harmony within their communities.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is very happy with what we have achieved so far in one year and nine months,” Otuaro declared.
“You are critical stakeholders in the peace and development of the Niger Delta, a region the President is deeply committed to transforming.”
He noted that the training was deliberately designed to foster unity, inclusion, and collective ownership of the peace process, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved when all hands are on deck.
Reflecting on the programme’s achievements, the PAP Administrator revealed that 4,500 Niger Delta students have been awarded scholarships and deployed to universities across Nigeria for the 2025–2026 academic session, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in the region’s future leadership.
“We have redirected the Amnesty Programme to focus squarely on our people and the next generation. These students are tomorrow’s leaders, and education is our strongest tool for lasting development,” he said.
Dr. Otuaro also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic backing, which he said has strengthened the PAP’s operations and enhanced its impact across the region.
While reaffirming his resolve to remain focused, Otuaro dismissed what he described as smear campaigns by anti–Niger Delta elements, warning that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the region’s progress or hold it to ransom.
He urged stakeholders to resist political manipulation and instead rally behind President Tinubu’s leadership, citing the President’s demonstrable commitment to the Niger Delta as a compelling reason for massive support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PAP Administrator encouraged participants to engage fully in the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to entrench peace, dialogue, and development at the grassroots level.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to the management of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, the resource persons, and the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor (retd.), for their continued partnership in advancing peace in the Niger Delta.
Signed:
Mr. Igoniko Oduma
Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator,
Presidential Amnesty Programme
15 December, 2025
Comments
Post a Comment