Some Ex-agitators and Stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) yesterday 19 September, 2024 organized a one-day interactive advocacy and sensitization programme on Social Vices tagged: “CAMPAIGN AGAINST SOCIAL-VICES IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION” in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The programme which attracted youth groups, community leaders, security personnels, Traditional Rulers, Elders, Government representatives and ex-agitators from across the Niger Delta and beyond, was purposed to address issues of violence, youth restiveness, crime, drug abuse, cultism, pipeline vandalism, thuggery, child trafficking and other contemporary social vices prevalent in the Niger Delta Region and Bayelsa State in particular.
The one-day sensitization campaign sponsored by the Office of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Presidential Amnesty Programme ably led by Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, and coordinated by Mr. Tonye Bobo, featured public lectures, keynote speeches and engaging discussions conducted by the organizers and resource persons.
The programme coordinator Tonye Bobo, in his opening remark, highlighted the significance of the event and related grassroot initiatives designed to ignite transformative change in the society. He extended an heartwarming felicitations from the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and said the PAP Boss is determined to change the narrative through various reforms, programmes and policies aimed actualizing the aims and objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“The Administrator Chief Dennis Otuaro, is committed to changing the narrative and deliver the purpose for the formation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. This he is doing through sponsorship of various programmes like the one we are having now.” he said
Tonye, while encouraging the youths to harness their youthful energy to drive meaningful change in the society and refrain from all forms social vices, emphasized on the need for peaceful coexistence especially among the youths in the region. He assured participants of the goodwill of the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to expand its rehabilitation Programme to touch more youths and engage them in productive activities with a view to bring about sustainable Peace and development in the Region.
A resource person, Pastor Nature Kieghe, in his lecture, shared valuable perspectives on the negative influence of social vices on the society. He said Nigeria is facing series of social vices which is threatening peace and safety of lives and property. He encouraged the participants, especially the youths to maintain good character and be change agents in their communities in order to benefit from the opportunities provided by the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Speaking further, Pastor Nature advised that It is time for society to change how drug and substance abuse is addressed and called for more community involvement in the rehabilitation process through the creation of a supportive environment for individuals seeking to heal and rebuild. He however introduced his rehabilitation center which he said is open for youths dealing with addiction and substance abuse and seeking ways to stop in order to be useful to self and contribute meaningfully to the development of the society.
In their individual remarks, Elder Ondo Gbekumo, Chief Lucky Asanakpo and Hon. Doubiye Alagba, speaking for the Government of Bayelsa State, expressed gratitude to Dr. Dennis Otuaro for extending hands of support towards eradicating social vices in the Niger Delta. Chief Lucky Asanakpo, the Coordinator of the Bayelsa State Volunteer Service, in his brief remark, said said some of the vices that the Volunteer service has been making frantic efforts to eradicate include drug abuse, cultism, armed robbery, crime and fraud which are prevalent among the youths in the state. He appealed to the PAP Administrator to visit the Governor of Bayelsa State as the Government was ready to partner in areas of peace building and youth development.
In his speech, Elder Ondo Gbekumo, emphasized the need for multi-agency collaboration in the fight against social vices. He said the initiative by the Amnesty is not only laudable but is deserving of stakeholders support. Adding that the Government of Bayelsa State will make provision to support the project as government cannot do it alone. While establishing the position of the Bayelsa State Government in the fight against crime and criminality in the state, Ondo Gbekumo encouraged youths to indulge in meaningful activities that will attract development to the state and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Amnesty office. He further asserted that the Bayelsa State Government is committed to support and create more programmes that will benefit youths in the state.
Apst. Bodmas Kemepadei, a Stakeholder of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and member of the organising team in his speech, appreciated participants for availing themselves and making positive nods towards peace and development in the region. He lauded the PAP Administrator Dr. Dennis Otuaro, for providing innovative leadership and ensuring a paradigm shift in the operations of the Programme. Bodmas highlighted some of the achievements of the programme under Otuaro to include in the education sector, skill acquisitions and welfare of amnesty beneficiaries as and prompt payment of stipends to beneficiary and more importantly extending his magnanimity to support youths in the region. He further extolled the GM operations of Tantita security services Mr Tare Pondie for his enormous contributions to youth development, peace building and stability in the region. Bodmas also encouraged the Youths to utilize the opportunities provided by the Project. He revealed that the programme has attracted more sponsors of goodwill who will join the Bayelsa Government, Tantita and other spirited individuals to add value to the existing plan all geared towards rapidly addressing the issues of social vices and creation of more opportunities for youths, prioritizing education, empowerment, job creation, skill acquisitions and other robust engagement that will take more youths out of the streets and slums for a better life.
