Former Niger Delta agitators have applauded President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for transforming their lives from former militants into graduates, skilled professionals and successful business owners, contributing to the nation’s economy.
National Chairman of Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Phase 2, Ibena Rufus Salvation, stated this on Friday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital during a leadership training and capacity building programme.
The forum aimed at reviewing the gains of the amnesty programme and chart a path for the Niger Delta’s development.
Salvation described the training programme as a turning point for the region, urging Niger Delta leaders to de-escalate conflicts, engage peacefully with national institutions, and ensure lasting peace and prosperity.
According to him, the Amnesty Programme under Tinubu’s administration has given beneficiaries a fresh start by allowing many to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy as entrepreneurs and professionals.
“We are no longer agitators of destruction, but architects of development,” he declared.
He also lauded the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro for providing effective leadership and restoring confidence among ex-agitators.
He said the new leadership has brought back purpose and energy to the programme, noting that under Otuaro, several skill acquisition, education and capacity-building initiatives have been revived to empower youths in the Niger Delta.
Salvation further appealed to the federal government to grant financial autonomy to PAP and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by removing them from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
According to the national chairman, this would enable both agencies to respond more effectively to the unique challenges facing the region and fast-track ongoing development efforts.
He also called on the federal government to strengthen the partnership between PAP and Tantita Security Services, an indigenous firm credited with reducing oil theft in the region.
The chairman stressed that the synergy would save the country billions of naira lost to pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering while providing jobs for youths familiar with the terrain.
The ex-agitators, however, pledged their unflinching loyalty to President Tinubu, assuring him of the region’s continued support as he seeks re-election in 2027.
