NIGER DELTA STAKEHOLDERS COMMEND OTUARO, TOMPOLO AND PONDI, CALL FOR UNITY AND CONTINUED SUPPORT
By Pinaiba Bolouere Firstlady
NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA — Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have commended the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under Dr. Dennis Otuaro, describing progress in education, skills development, empowerment and human-capital development as deserving of continued support.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the President of the United Presidential Amnesty Forum, Engr. Ebi Temile, who called on beneficiaries, stakeholders and Niger Delta youths to remain united and support initiatives capable of creating sustainable opportunities across the region.
According to Temile, the Presidential Amnesty Programme remains an important intervention in the Niger Delta, particularly through programmes providing educational opportunities, skills acquisition, empowerment and pathways for young people to improve their livelihoods.
He also urged stakeholders to distinguish between constructive criticism and narratives that could discourage development efforts, stressing that areas requiring improvement should be addressed through dialogue and constructive engagement.
TANTITA: JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
The United Presidential Amnesty Forum also recognised the contributions of High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and High Chief Kestin Pondi to employment creation through Tantita Security Services Limited.
The Forum noted that Tantita’s operations have provided employment and livelihood opportunities for youths and other members of communities across the Niger Delta, while also creating opportunities for older people who remain economically active.
According to the Forum, employment opportunities generated through Tantita have enabled many Niger Delta residents to participate in the formal workforce and contribute to the economic wellbeing of their families and communities.
Temile commended Tompolo and Pondi for their roles in building and sustaining the organisation, describing employment creation as an important component of efforts to address youth unemployment and promote economic participation across the region.
CALL FOR UNITY AMONG NIGER DELTA YOUTHS
The United Presidential Amnesty Forum urged Niger Delta youths to embrace peace, education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and constructive participation in development initiatives.
The Forum stressed that sustainable development requires cooperation among government institutions, community leaders, private organisations, beneficiaries and the people of the region.
It also expressed support for grassroots engagement through the Door 2 Door Movement, describing community mobilisation and direct engagement with the people as important avenues for promoting unity and development.
GOODWILL TO NIGER DELTA LEADERS
The Forum congratulated Engr. Dennis Otuaro, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and High Chief Kestin Pondi for their respective contributions within the Niger Delta development space.
It prayed for continued wisdom, strength, good health and success for the leaders, while urging them and other stakeholders to remain committed to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people across the region.
The Forum particularly emphasised the need to expand educational opportunities, skills-acquisition programmes and employment opportunities for Niger Delta youths and communities.
PRAYERS FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME
The United Presidential Amnesty Forum also prayed for continued guidance for the leadership and management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The Forum expressed hope that the programme’s educational, empowerment and human-capital development initiatives would continue to create opportunities for beneficiaries and contribute positively to the development of the Niger Delta.
Temile urged stakeholders to remain patient, united and constructive in their engagement with the programme.
He said the collective objective should be to ensure that interventions designed to improve the lives of Niger Delta people are strengthened, sustained and expanded.
UNITY AS KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The Forum maintained that unity, education, employment, skills development and constructive engagement remain critical to achieving sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
It called on stakeholders to work together to promote peace and economic opportunities while encouraging young people across the region to take advantage of available educational, vocational and empowerment initiatives.
The statement concluded with an appeal for continued cooperation among government agencies, community leaders, private organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders in building a more prosperous and peaceful Niger Delta.
By Pinaiba Bolouere Firstlady
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