Tinubu Delighted With PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peace Building Process—Otuaro

*Says 4,500 Students Deployed To Universities Across Nigeria In 2025 

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reported that President Bola Tinubu is pleased with the significant achievements recorded by the agency in the Niger Delta over the past two years.

He made this statement during the launch of the fourth batch of the two-day “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders,” organised by the agency in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja on Monday.

The PAP successfully conducted a similar capacity-building workshop for three batches of its stakeholders at the same military facility in July and August 2025.

Otuaro indicated that the President is delighted with the agency’s expanded scholarship scheme, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta. He urged stakeholders to continue playing a key role in the region’s peace and development.

According to him, His Excellency, President Tinubu, strongly supports the programme due to his desire for the region to achieve sustainable peace, stability, and development.

He reiterated that the workshop is a crucial element of the PAP’s peace process, emphasising that all stakeholders are important partners in the peace initiative.

Otuaro noted that the participants are not only partners for peace but also act as the President’s peace ambassadors.

He also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic support in strengthening the programme’s initiatives and helping it meet its objectives for the region.

While declaring the workshop open, Otuaro stated, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is very pleased with what we have accomplished so far in one year and nine months.

“As stakeholders, you should continue to play a key role in the peace and development of the Niger Delta, which His Excellency is strongly committed to.

“The goal of this training is to ensure that we are all partners in every peace effort in the Niger Delta. This initiative is also designed to foster a sense of belonging among you.”

“When we organised this workshop in July and August, we assured stakeholders that more people would participate in the training. We do not want to carry out the PAP’s work alone; it requires a collective effort to ensure that the region is peaceful and united. When we stand together, Mr. President will do even more for the region.

“We must also recognise that peace begins in our communities; you are all leaders in your own right. I acknowledge the support that the Office has received since we took charge. This leadership workshop is part of our peacebuilding process and aims to ensure that peace is sustained in our region.”

“Since we assumed leadership, we have redirected the programme to benefit our people and future generations. We have achieved a great deal. For the 2025-2026 academic session, we have awarded scholarships to 4,500 students, our future leaders, to attend universities within Nigeria. We are making this investment in the future of our region.”

Otuaro asserted that his leadership would not be distracted by smear campaigns from certain anti-Niger Delta elements who are unhappy that the programme has been brought to the people of the region, stating, “Nobody will hold the region to ransom.”

He further urged stakeholders not to be swayed by political manipulators but to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 due to his clear agenda for the region.

Otuaro encouraged stakeholders to engage actively in the workshop and apply the lessons they learn to enhance peace and development in their communities and throughout the Niger Delta.

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 (rtd.), for collaborating with the PAP to advance the peace process in the region.