The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) office said it has mapped out plans for ex-agitators that would focus on wealth creation to improve the Niger Delta.
The Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), said the programme would leverage partnerships that will positively affect the economy of the Niger Delta and the country at large.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Nneotaobase Egbe, after separate meetings with leaders of the first and third phases of the PAP in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, Dikio said his quest to leave a strong legacy was driven by his passion for the development of the region.
He noted that having set the foundation of the outline vision in his first year, the time for action had come to produce the desired result for the benefit of all.
The amnesty boss further encouraged the ex-agitators to strive to embrace the economic opportunities around them.
According to him, “Within the short time I have, we will change things for the better. That is why we have changed the model of training that you get to the Train-Employ-Mentor model. The kind of training that will make you self-sufficient and qualified to have a job that you will be paid far above the N65,000; training that will bring more value to you”.
Dikio maintained that the wealth of the Niger Delta region was not because of the oil and gas it possesses but because of its natural endowments domiciled across the region and waiting to be explored by willing hands.
He said: “We have to be competitive in the water business and take advantage of the blue economy. The Niger Delta is blessed with a lot of opportunities, and we need to take charge.
“We are organizing a summit in Warri soon. Warri used to be an oil city with lots of activities, but now it has become like a ghost town. We want to highlight what the city has, its economic importance, and also for entrepreneurial purposes. We have to do everything possible to bring back businesses to the region.”
“I keep saying this that if you are not providing service you can’t be rich. Once you have what you are offering and when you are able to take care of yourself, nobody can insult you”.
In his remarks, leader of the first phase ex-agitators and National President of the Leadership, Peace, and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), Pastor Reuben Wilson, expressed appreciation to Dikio for restoring their confidence in the PAP.
He said in the past, the programme grossly shortchanged beneficiaries while others became billionaires.
The ex-agitator noted that the coming of Dikio has restored hope in the programme because of the new vision.
