The special assistant to the president on Niger Delta and coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programmed, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd) yesterday in Abuja said the federal government remains committed to peace in the Niger Delta region and sustainable development of the region.
He also revealed that 30, 000 youths have been captured in the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, stressing that while some have graduated in various fields of learning, others are still undergoing various training both within and outside the country.
Boroh said the current administration of President Mohammadu Buhari is committed to the amnesty programme and is committed to the economic empowerment of youths in the region.
Speaking when he played host to the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the special assistant said there is an urgent need for all stakeholders in the Niger Delta to synergise for the development of the region.
He lamented that lack of synergy amongst relevant stakeholders in the past had derailed meaningful achievements in the region. He called for greater partnership between the amnesty office, NDDC and the ministry of Niger Delta.
Also speaking, the MD of the NDDC, Chief Dan Abia lamented what he described as misinformation of activities in the Niger Delta region. He emphasised that the commission is committed to economic emancipation of youths in the region.
He said, “Change has come to Nigeria and that change has come to Niger Delta region.”
He emphasised that there cannot be development without peace and that is why all stakeholders must collaborate.
He said, “from time to time we need to create a platform to interact and exchange ideas, even review our programmes. It is only by so doing that we can learn from each other, otherwise our efforts man not be commiserate with our results. We are bound to duplicate programmes.