A coalition of Civil Society Organisations under the Concerned Niger Delta Civil Society Groups has commended the developmental strides made under Dr Dennis Otuaro’s leadership at the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
The coalition, including Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum, Ex-Agitators Third Phase, Ndukwa Youth Association, and other stakeholders, issued the statement in Abuja on Saturday.
The statement, signed by Ebizimor Raphael, Chairman and CEO of Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum (IYCF), was made on behalf of other stakeholders.
Raphael highlighted reforms and progress since Otuaro’s appointment in 2024. Notable achievements include the scholarship scheme, training programmes, and Alternative Conflict Resolution initiatives.
He added that more Niger Delta youths now have access to quality education through the PAP Scholarship Scheme, with new vocational training programmes for ex-agitators to acquire employable skills.
On monitoring and evaluation, Raphael stated that a robust framework has been established to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in programme implementation.
He confirmed that the achievements could be verified through the various departments of the PAP.
“Under the Education Department, significant strides have been made, with 1,554 onshore students deployed to both partnering and non-partnering institutions.
“In addition, 10 offshore students were sent to universities in the UK, US, and Canada, while 316 onshore students graduated, including 41 from the Nigerian Law School.
“The department verified 1,594 students across 69 institutions and organised orientation programmes to ensure compliance with PAP policies,” he said.
Raphael further noted that facility inspections at six universities, including Nigerian Maritime University and Gregory University, led to partnerships with five institutions.
He said efforts to improve gender and state representation saw 850 female and 744 male students supported, with significant enrollment from Bayelsa (37.2 per cent), Delta (18.7 per cent), and Ondo (19.2 per cent).
He added that cost-saving measures identified 16 absconded students, preventing unnecessary spending, while the administrator attended six convocation ceremonies celebrating 66 graduates from Igbinedion University.
Through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), 100 out of 135 conflicts were resolved, including stipend/arrears non-payment, data conflicts, and miscellaneous disputes.
According to him, the department also addressed 17 court cases, resolved BVN-related stipend issues, reinstated payments, and led to the withdrawal of National Assembly petitions.
“In 2024, 40 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) were type-rated, and 39 AMEs were deployed for a one-year On-the-Job Training at 7 Star Global Hangar, Aero Contractors, and King Airlines,” he said.
Raphael dismissed allegations of mismanagement against Otuaro, describing them as attempts to undermine his integrity and leadership.
He stated that these allegations aimed to derail the transformative agenda Otuaro has championed since assuming office.