The Niger Delta Diaspora Forum (NDDF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a strategic and forward-looking investment in human capital development in the Niger Delta, noting that the administration’s emphasis on education and youth empowerment is critical to achieving sustainable peace, stability, and economic growth in the region.
The Convener of the group, Mr. Omietimi Dan-Daniel, also praised the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, describing his performance as “one of the greatest assets to the Niger Delta in recent times” and a defining factor in the programme’s renewed impact.
At a well-attended event held in London over the weekend, the NDDF honoured Dr. Otuaro with an award for administrative excellence, in recognition of his commitment to advancing human capital development initiatives and repositioning the amnesty programme to address emerging realities in the region.
In its remarks, the forum applauded President Tinubu’s foresight in prioritising youth education as a key driver of regional stability, capacity building, and inclusive development. It noted that sustained investment in human capital remains one of the most effective strategies for addressing the root causes of restiveness and unlocking the vast socio-economic potential of the Niger Delta.
The group further acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Otuaro and his Technical Assistant, Elder Edgar Biu, his entire team and stakeholders, commending their leadership for placing collective regional interests above personal gains. According to the forum, their approach reflects a necessary shift towards addressing contemporary challenges, particularly the growing population of youths not captured in the original 30,000 beneficiaries of the amnesty programme.
The NDDF emphasised that expanding opportunities to accommodate increasing demographic pressures is essential for reducing poverty, promoting inclusive development, and preventing a resurgence of the social challenges that previously led to unrest in the region.
The forum also advised ex-agitators to prioritise long-term regional development over immediate personal benefits, stressing that the struggle in the Niger Delta was fundamentally rooted in the pursuit of collective progress rather than individual enrichment.
Expressing satisfaction with ongoing reforms, the group noted that Dr. Otuaro is reinforcing these ideals by facilitating access to education for thousands of young people across the region. It disclosed that over 8,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled in various Nigerian universities, while more than 200 have been sponsored for specialised studies abroad.
“As members of the diaspora, we believe this approach represents the most sustainable pathway to development,” the group stated. “Enduring progress cannot be built on stipends alone. Education remains the most effective tool for equipping our youths with the skills and knowledge required to transform society.”
The forum expressed appreciation to the Tinubu administration for the appointment of Dr. Otuaro, describing it as a well-considered decision that continues to yield measurable impact. It urged the Federal Government to sustain its support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme to consolidate ongoing gains and ensure the realisation of a peaceful, secure, and economically vibrant Niger Delta.
The NDDF also called on stakeholders across the region, including community leaders and development partners, to support the administration’s reform agenda and work collectively towards achieving lasting peace, stability, and inclusive growth.
