The Niger Delta Youths for Positive Change (NDYPC) has called on the federal government to expand and increase funding for the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to promote sustained peace, development, and economic stability in the Niger Delta region.
Group in a recent letter to the National Security Adviser, signed by National Coordinator Comrade Elliott Yibalua Yibakeni, the NDYPC outlined ten key reasons for this expansion, emphasizing the PAP’s essential role in promoting peace and empowering communities.
NDYPC’s outline demands which as follows: sustained peace that will significantly reduced violence in the Niger Delta by addressing militancy. Increased funding would support long-term peace and development, tackling systemic poverty in the region.
“Youth empowerment broadened access to vocational training and education through additional funding would channel youth energy away from militancy, encouraging constructive economic participation.”
“Job creation and expand resources would promote secondary industries, fostering entrepreneurship, skills development, and self-sufficiency, thereby reducing the appeal of militancy.”
The group further stated that the community development will also support grassroots initiatives, empowering traditional institutions, women, and youth to improve quality of life in underdeveloped, oil-producing communities.
“However, social reintegration more resources would enable the proper reintegration of former militants and underserved youth, reducing poverty and enhancing skill levels.
Economic Diversification: with a historical reliance on oil, the Niger Delta could benefit from investments in sectors like agriculture and tourism, reducing dependence on oil and creating sustainable jobs.
Enhanced monitoring and evaluation increased funding would improve engagement with local communities, providing the government with feedback to shape responsive governance.
Strengthening local institutions a better-funded PAP would support local organizations and training centers, building domestic capacity and adding alternative revenue streams to Nigeria’s economy.
“National Stability: An expanded PAP would aid in retrieving illegal weapons in the Niger Delta, securing peace for future generations, and reinforcing national stability.”
