The Ijaw Youth Network (IYN) has commended President Bola Tinubu for the expansion of the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s scholarship initiative, saying the intervention has significantly improved access to education and vocational training for beneficiaries across the Niger Delta.
The group also lauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for supporting reforms being implemented by the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the IYN President, Frank Ebikabo, and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, the organisation said the backing of President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser had enabled the programme to record remarkable achievements since Otuaro assumed office in March 2024.
According to the statement, more than 9,000 Niger Delta beneficiaries have been awarded scholarships to study in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, while 273 others have received sponsorship for overseas education under the programme.
The group described the scholarship expansion as unprecedented, adding that the initiative had also produced impressive academic results, with over 50 first-class graduates and more than 40 second-class upper division graduates recorded in the last two academic sessions.
Beyond academic training, the IYN said the programme had invested in specialised capacity building, with four pilot cadets and two instrument rating trainees completing aviation training in South Africa.
It added that another 40 aviation cadets were trained in Lagos, while 98 maritime cadets completed training in Delta State.
The statement further disclosed that 360 delegates from the first, second and third phases of the amnesty programme, alongside other stakeholders, had undergone training in Alternative Dispute Resolution and mediation to strengthen peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta.
Describing the achievements as evidence of Otuaro’s commitment to human capital development and socio-economic growth, the group urged the PAP administrator to remain focused on delivering the programme’s mandate despite criticism from detractors.
The IYN also commended Otuaro for ensuring the prompt and transparent payment of monthly stipends to delegates, noting that his background in the Niger Delta struggle had strengthened his commitment to the welfare of beneficiaries.
It maintained that the support of President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser had played a critical role in repositioning the Presidential Amnesty Programme for improved service delivery and lasting impact in the Niger Delta.
