By Divine Perezide

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, has said the administration of President **** is demonstrating a strong commitment to the peace, security and long-term development of the Niger Delta through renewed investments in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Speaking at the opening of the sixth batch of the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s two-day Stakeholders’ Capacity-Building Workshop in Abuja on Monday, Otuaro said recent Federal Government approvals, including an upward review of the programme’s budget and the establishment of a Rehabilitation Unit, reflected the President’s determination to strengthen the PAP’s mandate and address critical gaps in the intervention programme.

The workshop, held from July 6 to 7 at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, is focused on Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Mediation as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate peace and strengthen stakeholder engagement across the Niger Delta.

Otuaro urged leaders and stakeholders in the region to embrace dialogue, mediation and responsible leadership in resolving disputes, stressing that conflicts are inevitable but should never be allowed to threaten peace, security and regional development.

According to him, the training is intended to equip participants with practical leadership skills while deepening their understanding of peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms capable of promoting harmony within communities.

He noted that since assuming office in March 2024 following his appointment by President Tinubu, the Presidential Amnesty Programme has consistently prioritised capacity development for both its personnel and stakeholders.

The PAP Administrator disclosed that five batches of ADR and mediation training were conducted between July and December 2025, benefiting about 240 stakeholders, while the current programme represents the sixth phase of the initiative.

He said the programme has recorded notable achievements over the past two years, including the expansion of scholarship opportunities, increased vocational training, enhanced post-training empowerment and broader stakeholder participation aimed at sustaining peace in the Niger Delta.

Otuaro described participants as critical partners in the peacebuilding process and charged them to return to their communities as ambassadors of dialogue, unity and peaceful coexistence.

He maintained that leadership, mediation and alternative dispute resolution remain indispensable to national security, economic growth, social harmony and sustainable development.

The PAP boss also revealed that the programme currently has 9,562 beneficiaries undergoing onshore academic studies across various institutions, comprising both newly admitted and returning students.

While appreciating President Tinubu for supporting the programme’s reforms, Otuaro also commended the National Security Adviser, ****, for his guidance and supervision, which he said had contributed significantly to the programme’s successes.

He further acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, the National Defence College, the Alumni Association of the National Defence College and workshop facilitators for supporting the capacity-building initiative.

Calling on participants to maximise the opportunity, Otuaro urged them to apply the knowledge acquired during the workshop in promoting peaceful dialogue, resolving disputes and advancing sustainable development throughout the Niger Delta.

He said the workshop aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places premium importance on lasting peace, security, stability and socio-economic advancement across the Niger Delta and the country at large.