Juliet Ezeh
Nearly 20 years after its launch, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) continues to make a lasting impact on youth education and empowerment in the Niger Delta. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed that about 8,000 Nigerians are currently pursuing studies locally, while 220 others are furthering their education in the United Kingdom under the programme.
Speaking during a meeting with PAP beneficiaries in the UK, held alongside President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Britain, Idris highlighted the programme’s success in addressing historical challenges in the region. The event, which also saw the presence of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, offered a first-hand glimpse into the programme’s achievements.
“Witnessing the impact of the programme firsthand and interacting with beneficiaries is very heartwarming,” Idris said. “The President is committed to ensuring that young Nigerians are given the right opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Established in 2009 by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, PAP initially focused on disarming and rehabilitating former militants in the oil-rich Niger Delta. Over the years, it has evolved into a platform for skills training, education, and empowerment, significantly improving conditions in a region once marred by deprivation and disorder.
According to Idris, Dennis Otuaro, the Programme Administrator, confirmed that over 8,000 students are studying within Nigeria, while more than 220 are engaged in academic programmes in the UK. He described PAP as “one of the best programmes implemented in the country” and assured that the Tinubu administration would continue efforts to strengthen and expand opportunities for youth development.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.