PAP: Otuaro Launches Sixth Stakeholders' ADR Capacity Workshop, Affirms Tinubu's Commitment to Niger Delta Development

By EgbemaVoice 

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to sustainable peace, security and socio-economic development in the Niger Delta, urging stakeholders to embrace effective leadership and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as essential tools for conflict management.

The PAP Administrator also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support for the programme, particularly the approval of an upward review of its budget and the recent approval for the establishment of a Rehabilitation Unit, which he said would address a critical aspect of the programme's mandate that had previously been absent.

He appealed to people of the Niger Delta to continue supporting the Federal Government, stating that the President had demonstrated genuine commitment to the region's development.

Otuaro made the call on Monday while declaring open the sixth batch of the two-day Presidential Amnesty Programme Stakeholders' Capacity-Building Workshop at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja. The workshop, held from July 6 to 7, focuses on Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and Mediation as part of the programme's broader peacebuilding and stakeholder engagement strategy.

Addressing participants, the PAP Administrator described the workshop as another milestone in his administration's efforts to strengthen stakeholder participation and promote lasting peace across the Niger Delta.

He noted that since assuming office in March 2024 following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the programme has consistently invested in capacity-building initiatives for both PAP staff and stakeholders.

According to him, between July and December 2025, five batches of the ADR and mediation training were successfully conducted in Abuja, benefiting 240 stakeholders, while the current batch marks the sixth phase of the initiative.

Otuaro said the training was designed to equip participants with practical leadership skills and deepen their understanding of mediation and non-violent conflict resolution, stressing that although conflicts are inevitable, they must be managed through peaceful dialogue rather than actions capable of undermining regional stability.

He emphasized that stakeholders have a crucial responsibility to foster unity, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development within their communities, describing them as key partners in the region's peacebuilding process.

Highlighting achievements recorded under his administration over the past two years, Otuaro disclosed that the Presidential Amnesty Programme has expanded its scholarship scheme, increased vocational training opportunities, strengthened post-training empowerment initiatives, and enhanced inclusiveness through sustained stakeholder engagement.

The PAP Administrator further stated that issues of leadership, mediation and conflict resolution remain fundamental to national security, economic growth and social harmony, adding that the workshop was deliberately designed to sharpen participants' leadership abilities while reinforcing the programme's peacebuilding mandate.

He said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes sustainable peace, security, stability and socio-economic development in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.

Describing the participants as "Peace Ambassadors" of President Tinubu in the Niger Delta, Otuaro urged them to apply the knowledge gained during the training to resolve disputes peacefully and strengthen community cohesion.

Otuaro equally commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his guidance and effective supervision, which he said had contributed significantly to the programme's achievements.

He also appreciated the management of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, the National Defence College, the Alumni Association of the National Defence College and the workshop facilitators for their collaboration in organizing the training.

Urging participants to actively engage in all sessions, Otuaro encouraged them to take the lessons back to their communities and use them to promote dialogue, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development throughout the Niger Delta.

Providing an update on the programme's educational interventions, he disclosed that the Presidential Amnesty Programme currently has 9,562 beneficiaries undergoing onshore academic training, comprising both returning and newly admitted students.

The workshop is expected to further strengthen the capacity of stakeholders to serve as peace advocates and community leaders, in line with the Presidential Amnesty Programme's mandate of consolidating peace, stability and development in the Niger Delta.

The statement read, "Therefore, this workshop is a platform we have deliberately designed to shape and sharpen your leadership skills, as well as deepen your understanding of various approaches to conflict resolution and mediation. We are committed to reinforcing the region's peacebuilding process in our communities in the implementation of the PAP's mandate.

"Let me inform you distinguished participants that the objectives of this initiative, in the main, highlight Mr President's Renewed Hope Agenda and his administration's strong commitment and dedication to sustainable peace, security, stability, socio-economic growth and development of the Niger Delta and indeed the country. You are, therefore, the Peace Ambassadors of Mr President in the Niger Delta".

"I want to express my profound appreciation to Mr President for his massive support for the PAP, particularly his gracious approval of an upward review of the programme's budget and my recent proposal to set up a Rehabilitation Unit, a vital component that was not in the programme before now. This will help cater to related aspects of the programme's mandate".

"I urge the people of the Niger Delta to continue to support Mr President and work resolutely with his administration to do more for the region. He has demonstrated sincere love for the region, and we should reciprocate this by supporting him for re-election in 2027. He is our choice. We have no other choice!"

"Let me also express my profound appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his encouragement and diligent supervision of the programme, which have resulted in the success stories recorded under my leadership"

"I am happy to inform you that between July and December 2025, we conducted five batches of this ADR and mediation training for 240 of your counterparts here in Abuja. Your turn begins today and ends tomorrow"

"The essence of the workshop is to enable you appreciate the implications of leadership in the region's peacebuilding process, and also imbibe the spirit of alternative dispute resolution as a much more effective tool for resolving disputes"

"In the past two years, we have recorded significant progress with the programme for our people in the Niger Delta; expanding the scholarship scheme, and vocational training opportunities, post-training empowerment, and also deepening inclusivity through stakeholder engagements".

"As the Administrator of the PAP, I understand fully how fundamental the issues of leadership, ADR and mediation are to sustainable peace and development, security and safety, mutual co-existence and social harmony, nation building and economic growth".

"Therefore, I encourage you all to participate actively in this training. Take valuable lessons away, and ensure they guide your conduct and approach to resolving issues and disputes that may arise within your areas of influence, in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed our dear country"., it added.