IYC Seeks Wider Reach For Amnesty Programme, Commends Otuaro
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) is reaching more Niger Delta youths, but the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) says millions are still outside its coverage and wants the programme better funded to expand its reach.
IYC Worldwide President, Dr Doubra Collins Okotete, made the call when he led the council’s 10th National Executive Council on a courtesy visit to PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Burutu Otuaro.
Okotete commended Otuaro for what he described as accountable leadership, citing improved payment of beneficiaries’ entitlements and a reduction in protests by PAP beneficiaries.
He said greater funding and improved budgetary provisions were needed to enable more youths across the Niger Delta to access education, skills training and empowerment opportunities.
Responding, Otuaro described the IYC as a “worthy partner” and urged the council to continue offering constructive criticism and suggestions.
The PAP administrator disclosed that about 10,000 Niger Delta youths had benefited from educational opportunities under his administration, including 8,700 pursuing first degrees in Nigerian universities and about 1,300 undertaking Master’s and PhD programmes in the United Kingdom.
Otuaro also said 150 beneficiaries, 50 First Class and 100 Second Class Upper graduates, were set to leave for Master’s programmes.
He attributed the relative peace in the South-South, particularly Ijaw communities, partly to the Federal Government’s efforts, adding that oil theft and illegal oil bunkering had drastically declined.
The IYC pledged to work with PAP and other stakeholders to extend the programme’s benefits to more Niger Delta youths.
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