The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is highly satisfied with the significant strides made by the agency in the Niger Delta over the past two years. Otuaro made this known during the flag-off of the fourth batch of the “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders” in Abuja on Monday.
The two-day training, organized in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, aims to build leadership skills and foster peacebuilding in the region. Otuaro noted that this initiative is part of the ongoing capacity-building efforts that have seen similar workshops conducted in July and August 2025.
A statement by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, quoted Otuaro as saying that President Tinubu is particularly pleased with the expanded scholarship scheme, the agency’s inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement, and its commitment to fostering peace in the Niger Delta.
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Otuaro further emphasized that the President’s support for the PAP stems from his unwavering commitment to ensuring sustainable peace, stability, and development in the region. He urged stakeholders to continue their crucial roles as peace ambassadors, working alongside the government to drive forward the development of the Niger Delta.
“The leadership and support shown by President Tinubu are vital to our progress,” Otuaro said. “As stakeholders, you are key players in this peace and development process. Our objective is to ensure that all of us are active partners in fostering peace and unity in the region.”
The PAP Administrator also lauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic assistance, which has significantly contributed to the programme’s success.
In his remarks during the workshop’s opening, Otuaro reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the region, saying, “Since we came on board, we have redirected the PAP towards benefiting the people and investing in the future of the region. In the 2025-2026 academic session, we have sent 4,500 students to universities across Nigeria on scholarships. This is a long-term investment in the future leaders of the Niger Delta.”
Otuaro also addressed concerns about attempts to derail the programme by certain anti-Niger Delta elements, stating, “Our focus will not be distracted by those who seek to undermine the programme. We will not allow anyone to hold the region to ransom.”
He called on stakeholders to resist political manipulation and fully support President Tinubu’s agenda, particularly his bid for re-election in 2027, noting that Tinubu’s vision for the region aligns with their aspirations for progress.
In conclusion, Otuaro encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen peace and development within their communities and the broader Niger Delta region. He also extended his gratitude to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, the resource persons, and Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor (retd.), the President of AANDEC, for their continued collaboration with the PAP in promoting peace in the region.
