By Daniella Peretengboro

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has called on leaders and stakeholders across the Niger Delta to strengthen their commitment to peacebuilding, dialogue and conflict resolution as the programme commenced its sixth Stakeholders’ Capacity Building Workshop on Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Mediation.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day workshop held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, Otuaro said sustainable peace remains essential to the continued development of the oil-rich region. He noted that the training was designed to equip participants with practical leadership and mediation skills needed to resolve disputes peacefully and foster stability in their communities.

According to him, the workshop forms part of the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s broader strategy of engaging key stakeholders in promoting inclusive governance, dialogue and lasting peace throughout the Niger Delta.

Otuaro commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of the programme, stating that the administration’s commitment to education, empowerment and human capital development has strengthened peacebuilding efforts in the region. He cited the thousands of scholarship beneficiaries studying in Nigerian universities, alongside hundreds pursuing postgraduate studies abroad under the programme, as evidence of the Federal Government’s investment in the future of the Niger Delta.

The PAP administrator described the Niger Delta as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, attributing the progress to the collaboration between the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser, community leaders and other stakeholders.

He urged participants to make full use of the training by applying the knowledge gained in mediation and alternative dispute resolution to prevent conflicts and promote harmony within their respective communities.

The sixth batch of the workshop has 120 participants. The programme previously trained more than 240 stakeholders during the first five batches conducted between July and December 2025 as part of efforts to institutionalise peaceful conflict resolution across the region.

Otuaro also appreciated the Nigerian Army Resource Centre and the workshop facilitators for their continued partnership in advancing the objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would further consolidate peace and accelerate development across the Niger Delta.