By Nnasom David

The Niger Delta Diaspora Forum (NDDF) has commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a strategic investment in human capital development in the Niger Delta, saying the administration’s focus on education and youth empowerment is vital for sustainable peace and economic growth in the region.

Convener of the group, Omietimi Dan-Daniel, also praised the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dennis Burutu Otuaro, describing his performance as a major asset to the region and a key driver of the programme’s renewed impact.

Speaking at an event held in London over the weekend, the NDDF honoured Otuaro with an award for administrative excellence, citing his efforts in advancing human capital development initiatives and repositioning the amnesty programme to address emerging challenges.

The forum noted that the Federal Government’s emphasis on youth education is critical to strengthening regional stability, building capacity, and promoting inclusive development.

It added that sustained investment in human capital remains an effective strategy for tackling the root causes of unrest in the Niger Delta.
The group also acknowledged the contributions of Otuaro’s Technical Assistant, Elder Edgar Biu, alongside other members of the team and stakeholders, commending their leadership style which prioritises collective regional interests.

According to the NDDF, the current approach reflects a shift towards addressing contemporary challenges, particularly the growing number of youths not captured in the initial 30,000 beneficiaries of the amnesty programme.

The forum stressed the need to expand opportunities to accommodate increasing demographic pressures, noting that such measures are essential for reducing poverty, promoting inclusive development, and preventing a resurgence of unrest in the region.

It also advised ex-agitators to focus on long-term regional development rather than immediate personal gains, emphasising that the struggle in the Niger Delta was rooted in collective progress.

Expressing satisfaction with ongoing reforms, the NDDF disclosed that more than 8,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled in Nigerian universities, while over 200 others have been sponsored for specialised studies abroad under the programme.

The forum reiterated that education remains the most sustainable pathway to development, noting that equipping young people with relevant skills and knowledge is key to transforming the region.

It further commended the Tinubu administration for appointing Otuaro, describing the decision as impactful, and urged the Federal Government to sustain support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The group also called on stakeholders, including community leaders and development partners, to support ongoing reforms and work collectively towards achieving lasting peace, stability, and economic growth in the Niger Delta.