Mr. Asari Dokubo, ex-militant leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, NDPVF, has described the academic and skill acquisition training for former militants in the Niger Delta by the Presidency as the best thing to happen to the region in recent times.

Dokubo, who spoke in Lagos against the backdrop of training and provision of jobs to 40 former militants after their training in Nigeria and South Africa, said though he had issues with the Federal Government’s amnesty programme, the readiness of the former militants to learn had endeared him to the programme.

According to him, the exposure of the former agitators to education and skills by the Federal Government will help transform the region.
Dokubo said: “I thank God, not because of the amnesty programme, but the desire of the youths to learn.”

I may have some misgivings about the amnesty programme, but I am happy that our youths are ready to learn.
“If we use this training well, it will be the greatest weapon for our region. This is because in all areas of the oil and gas industry, we have deficiencies.”

Dokubo charged the former militants to take full advantage of whatever training offered by the government, stressing that they never had such an opportunity as leaders of restive groups in the Niger Delta.

He said: “You have been given the opportunity most people will sell all their property to achieve, so don’t misuse it.”