By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Information Minister, Mohammed Idris has assured the Niger Delta that President Bola Tinubu will maintain consistent funding for the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

He emphasized that the President is committed to the programme’s mandate of driving socio-economic advancement and development within the region and across Nigeria.

During a PAP interactive session in London, Idris praised the programme for building a “community of intellectuals” essential for national growth. The event, organized by PAP Administrator Dr. Dennis Otuaro, coincided with President Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom and focused on foreign scholarship beneficiaries.

Scholarship recipients presented an Award of Appreciation to the President, honoring his support for their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Minister Idris received the award on the President’s behalf, promising to report the academic successes he witnessed to the Commander-in-Chief back home.

Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, lauded the President’s dedication to the Niger Delta and the Ijaw people. He noted that the region’s current stability has significantly benefited the oil and gas industry, urging students to remain focused ambassadors for Nigeria.

Dr. Dennis Otuaro highlighted that President Tinubu has expanded the programme since taking office, rather than withholding support. He credited the President’s backing for the successful deployment of over 8,000 scholarship beneficiaries to various institutions within the last two years.

The PAP Administrator explained that the initiative acts as a catalyst for transformation by fostering sustainable peace and security. Moving forward, the administration plans to upscale vocational training and higher education access to ensure Niger Delta youths can compete effectively in the global job market.

Otuaro thanked National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for his effective supervision of the programme under the “Renewed Hope” agenda. He urged the people of the Niger Delta to continue supporting the administration to ensure further development and prosperity for the area.