Bayelsa Seeks Opportunities for Niger Delta Youths

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has urged the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd) to partner with various state governments in the region, especially, Bayelsa State, to stimulate regional integration and cooperation in the Niger Delta.

The Focal Person of the PAP to Governor Douye Diri, Mr. Alaowei Opukeme Jonah, who made the call in Yenagoa, said that the state government as a willing partner is ready to support the various and laudable initiatives of the PAP.

Jonah also appealed to the interim administrator to include more youths from the state to benefit from the various agricultural and cooperative schemes he is planning to establish.

He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for reappointing Ndiomu, noting that the extension of his tenure was a reward for his excellent service during his first appointment.

He said: “Ndiomu at different events had hinted that the proposed schemes to be sponsored by the Amnesty Office will help to address the issue of unemployment in the Niger Delta and reduce the overdependence of the monthly N65,000 stipends by ex-agitators.

“We think it is laudable and we commend him for that. Our request that he should include more of our youths in the proposed schemes so they can benefit from it. We also call for more partnership with the PAP in different areas.

“While we congratulate Ndiomu for his reappointment, we commend President Muhammadu Buhari, who made it possible through his belief in this great Ijaw son.

“We know that the interim administrator will continue to make us proud by discharging the functions of his office for the collective interest of the Niger Delta and the country.

“Ndiomu is a square peg in a square hole and we commend him for supporting ICT-driven skill acquisition programmes organised by the national spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide. The interim administrator provided laptops and accessories for beneficiaries.”

Jonah urged Ndiomu to make the rehabilitation of  the PAP training centre at Boro Town in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state a matter of priority to enable ex-agitators have a standard and safe environment for training.

He also restated the commitment of the state government to work with institutions of the federal government that would bring development to the state, especially in areas of employment generation and skills acquisition.

According to him, Governor Diri, has provided the enabling environment for such partnership to thrive through his open-door policy and peaceful disposition.