Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (Rtd) has urged ex-agitators to key into digital skill acquisition training programs provided by the Program, stressing that violence as a way of getting attention should not be associated with people of the Niger Delta.
Col. Dikio said that the attention of the world is now focused on technology and innovative skills because of the new digital era, so youths in the region ought to devote their attention to acquiring digital skills and become dominant forces in the world.
The PAP further said that those in the digital technology industry are occupying a prime place in the economy of the world, because their resourcefulness is in high demand.
He made the disclosure in the penultimate weekend at Agadagba Obon, Arogbo, Ondo State during the graduation ceremony of PAP delegates trained by Bradama International Skill Works Ltd in Pipeline Welding/Fabrication, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Sandblasting, General Safety, Electrical Installation and Maintenance.
Dikio, while congratulating the delegates on the successful completion of their training, urged them to take maximum advantage of the various skills they have acquired to create wealth for themselves, their families, and the society in general.
The Amnesty boss appeal to lawmakers in the National Assembly to help in building the network needed to position the Niger Delta as a prominent place to live and do business in Nigeria.
On his part, High Chief Bibiopre Ajube, charged the delegates to use the skills obtained from the training institution to work, survive and build their different communities and the Niger Delta region.
Ajube lauded Dikio for his style of leadership and called for more support from all stakeholders to enable the PAP achieve the purpose for which it was set up.
Also speaking, Hon. Kolade Victor Akinjo, House of Representatives member, representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State, also lauded Dikio for the passion exhibited in executing his job.
He noted that since his appointment, Dikio has made the PAP to be more alive to its responsibilities because of his leadership style, which he said is centered on the beneficiaries and not strangers.
The lawmaker urged the Federal Government to increase the funds allocated to PAP, considering the huge demands for skills and education for the ex-agitators. This, he stressed, is vital for the development of the region.
He tasked the graduating delegates to use their new skills effectively and also serve as peace advocates as well as change agents of the Niger Delta.
Our correspondent report that the Presidential Amnesty Programme is focused on its mission to ensure that its delegates are successfully reintegrated into society through its “end to end” empowerment model which will see to it that they are trained, employed and mentored to become skilled entrepreneurs and or employable citizens who will become net contributors to the economy of the Niger Delta region and the nation as a whole.
