By Elo Edremoda,The Nation
Copyright thenationonlineng
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Burutu Otuaro, has been commended for tackling the ‘long-neglected educational gaps’ among the teeming youths of the Niger Delta region.
The immediate past chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone (Delta, Edo, and Ondo states), Doubra Okotete, gave the commendation in a statement made available to reporters in Warri, Monday.
According to him, the Otuaro-led PAP has not only revived the original vision of the programme by addressing the long-standing educational deficiencies in neglected creek communities, but also made giant strides in peace-building in the oil-rich region.
Okotete also extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing Otuaro, describing him as “a round peg in a round hole” whose leadership has already produced a measurable impact.
Describing the efforts so far carried out by the Amnesty office as “wonderful and “impactful,” the ex-IYC leader said, “His administration has been particularly outstanding in the area of peace-building across the Niger Delta region, as well as in addressing the long-neglected educational gaps that have held back many impoverished communities, especially those across the creeks of the Niger Delta states and beyond,” Okotete said.
He praised Otuaro’s commitment to human capital development, citing the sponsorship of over 250 students for postgraduate studies abroad and the enrollment of hundreds more in academic and vocational institutions across Nigeria.
“It is evident that Dr. Otuaro’s vision and leadership are in direct alignment with the founding template of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, as conceived and declared by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. His initiatives have breathed new life into the original goals of the PAP, transforming it into a tool of empowerment, reconciliation, and sustainable development.
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“Notably, under his leadership, over 250 students have been sponsored abroad for postgraduate studies in crucial academic fields at reputable international universities. At the same time, hundreds of others are currently enrolled in postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational, and skill acquisition programs across leading institutions in Nigeria. This commitment to human capital development is laudable and speaks volumes about his dedication to equipping Niger Delta youths with the tools for a better and more responsible future,” the statement said.
The former IYC leader urged PAP beneficiaries to remain disciplined and focused, while calling on critics to “retrace their steps” and support the administration’s peace and development agenda.
“I call for greater support and unity behind the PAP administration, while advising those who selfishly seek to undermine or attack the progress being made to retrace their steps. Instead, they should join forces with the current leadership in advancing the good works of this administration for the collective peace, stability, and development of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole,” Okotete concluded.
Since assuming office in 2023, Otuaro has shown commitment to educational empowerment, conflict resolution, and sustainable development among ex-agitators and other stakeholders in the region.
