By Dr Odimientimi Agbedeyi<\/p>\n
The leadership of the Amnesty Delegates Forum has commended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief Dennis Otuaro, for initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity and professional development of journalists operating in the Niger Delta region.<\/p>\n
In a statement signed by the Forum\u2019s leader, Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba, the group described the reported initiative to facilitate professional studies abroad for more than 20 Niger Delta journalists as a significant development for journalism and human-capital development in the region.<\/p>\n
The Forum said the initiative could help expose participating journalists to international standards, contemporary media practices and professional development opportunities capable of strengthening journalism in the Niger Delta.<\/p>\n
According to the group, one of the longstanding challenges confronting journalism in the region is the gap in access to advanced professional training and capacity-building opportunities.<\/p>\n
It therefore described the reported overseas professional training programme as an intervention capable of addressing part of the lacuna in the sector and improving the capacity of journalists to contribute more effectively to public discourse, development reporting and peace-building across the Niger Delta.<\/p>\n
The Amnesty Delegates Forum said the initiative represented an important aspect of the reforms and programmes being pursued under the leadership of High Chief Dennis Otuaro at the Presidential Amnesty Programme.<\/p>\n
The group further urged Niger Deltans, irrespective of ethnic, tribal or religious differences, to support initiatives it believes are designed to improve the benefits and opportunities available through the Amnesty Programme.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnited we stand and divided we fall,\u201d the Forum stated, calling for greater cooperation among stakeholders in the region.<\/p>\n
The Forum maintained that sustained collaboration among Niger Delta leaders, beneficiaries, journalists, community’s stakeholders and other relevant groups would be important to achieving the broader objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.<\/p>\n
It also expressed optimism that continued reforms and capacity-building initiatives under the Otuaro-led administration would produce additional benefits for people across the Niger Delta.<\/p>\n
The group said its commendation was particularly based on what it described as the potential long-term impact of professional development for journalists, noting that a stronger media workforce could contribute to improved information dissemination and greater visibility for issues affecting the region.<\/p>\n
The Amnesty Delegates Forum therefore encouraged stakeholders to continue engaging constructively with the Presidential Amnesty Programme while supporting initiatives focused on human-capital development and professional advancement.<\/p>\n
Signed:<\/p>\n
Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba
\nFor: Amnesty Delegates Forum<\/p>\n