Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the head of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has expressed profound appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast backing of the agency’s education-centered projects. This commendation follows the recent deployment of 161 Niger Delta beneficiaries to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
In a statement released by his media aide, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro highlighted this initiative as a pivotal move in bridging the human capital development gap within the Niger Delta region.
He emphasized that the successful placement of these scholars for the 2025/2026 academic session was largely due to President Tinubu’s personal dedication and generosity. Otuaro noted that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda continues to reflect a sincere commitment to the socio-economic progress of the Niger Delta communities.
“I am deeply thankful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his generous support of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Without his benevolence, facilitating the education of 161 beneficiaries in UK universities would not have been achievable. This substantial number aligns perfectly with his Renewed Hope Agenda and underscores his unwavering affection for the Niger Delta,” Otuaro stated.
He also praised the vital contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose strategic oversight and guidance were instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of the deployment process.
Otuaro encouraged the beneficiaries to fully embrace this opportunity, reminding them that their scholarships represent both an honor and a duty. He urged them to excel academically and return equipped to drive development within their communities and the nation.
“This journey transcends academic achievement; it is a mission to foster nation-building. You are ambassadors of peace, progress, and renewed optimism,” he remarked.
The PAP leader pointed out that this extensive deployment is in harmony with the government’s wider goal of investing in human resources to cultivate a peaceful and economically thriving Niger Delta.
He asserted that continuous investment in education and vocational training remains the most effective strategy to resolve the region’s historical grievances and economic inequalities.
On a political note, Otuaro appealed to the people of the Niger Delta to rally behind President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, highlighting the President’s tangible and consistent goodwill toward the region. He urged the community to support a leader who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to their welfare.
“Just last week, the Amnesty Office conducted pre-departure orientations in Abuja for two groups of scholars, preparing them for academic success and cultural adaptation in their UK institutions,” he added.
Reaffirming PAP’s dedication to broadening access to quality education and skill acquisition, Otuaro stressed these as foundational elements for lasting peace and reintegration. He expressed confidence that maintaining this level of scholarship deployment could gradually and permanently address the Niger Delta’s developmental challenges.
He further noted that in recent years, the Presidential Amnesty Programme, originally established to reintegrate former militants and foster peace in the oil-producing areas, has strategically shifted focus toward education and vocational empowerment as key drivers of stability and inclusive growth.
