Abraye Urges FG To Sustain Support For Tantita, Dr. Dennis Otuaro-Led Presidential Amnesty Programme, Says Education And Job Creation Are The Twin Pillars That Can Sustain The Peace And Stability In The Niger Delta -

By Ebiowei Gabriel

The National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Advocates for Peace, Development and Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ), Comrade Freeborn Abraye, has called on the Federal Government to sustain and strengthen its support for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and the Dr. Dennis Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), describing job creation and quality education as the two most powerful instruments for preserving the hard-won peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

Abraye said the Niger Delta should not be treated merely as an oil-producing region but as a strategic component of Nigeria’s economic security whose stability is directly connected to the uninterrupted operation of the nation’s oil and gas industry.

According to him, the intervention of High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) through Tantita’s employment opportunities for youths, combined with the educational and human-capital-development initiatives of the Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Programme, represents a practical model for addressing the root causes of restiveness in the region.

“Let nobody deceive the Federal Government: peace in the Niger Delta cannot be sustained by security operations alone. You cannot militarise poverty, unemployment and hopelessness out of existence. The sustainable answer is to educate the youths, empower them and give them legitimate opportunities to build their future.”

Abraye stressed that thousands of young people in the Niger Delta require meaningful economic opportunities, skills acquisition and access to quality education if the region is to permanently move away from the cycle of youth restiveness, criminality and confrontation.

He noted that where youths have legitimate employment and educational opportunities, the incentive to participate in activities capable of disrupting oil production and economic activities is significantly reduced.

“Tantita is demonstrating the power of employment and economic inclusion, while the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Dennis Otuaro is demonstrating the power of education and human-capital development. These are not contradictory interventions; they complement each other. One puts young people to work, while the other equips them with knowledge, skills and qualifications for the future.”

The NDAPDEJ National Coordinator further argued that the relative peace enjoyed in several parts of the Niger Delta has enormous implications for Nigeria’s economy, particularly for international oil companies and other investors operating in the region.

He maintained that investors cannot operate efficiently in an atmosphere of persistent tension, insecurity and youth restiveness.

“Every barrel of crude oil produced without disruption has an economic value to Nigeria. Every investor who operates without fear contributes to our economy. Every Niger Delta youth who chooses education or legitimate employment over violence is an investment in national security. That is why the Federal Government must look beyond politics and understand the economic value of what these interventions are achieving.”

Abraye particularly commended the Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro-led PAP administration for what he described as its emphasis on education and human-capital development, insisting that the programme must remain focused on producing educated, skilled and economically productive Niger Delta youths.

He warned against any attempt to weaken institutions and interventions that are contributing to peacebuilding in the region.

“The Presidential Amnesty Programme must not be reduced to a political football. It is a strategic peacebuilding institution. If we educate the Niger Delta youth today, we reduce the possibility of conflict tomorrow. If we create legitimate employment today, we reduce desperation and criminality tomorrow.”

According to Abraye, the Federal Government should regard investment in Niger Delta education, skills acquisition and employment not as charity but as a national security and economic strategy.

He also called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, private-sector employers, indigenous companies and international oil companies to expand legitimate employment opportunities for young people in the region.

“The message from the Niger Delta is simple: give our youths education, give them skills, give them jobs and give them hope. When you do that, you are not merely helping the Niger Delta, you are protecting Nigeria’s economy.”

Abraye therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and relevant Federal Government institutions to continue supporting the legitimate operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and the Dr. Dennis Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Programme, while ensuring that their activities remain transparent, accountable and focused on their peacebuilding and economic objectives.

He declared that the sustainability of peace in the Niger Delta must remain a collective responsibility.

“We cannot afford to take peace in the Niger Delta for granted. Peace is not automatic; peace is produced by justice, opportunity, education, employment and responsible leadership. The Federal Government must therefore protect and strengthen the structures that are helping to keep our youths meaningfully engaged.”

Abraye concluded by insisting that the future of the Niger Delta must be built around education, employment, economic inclusion and sustainable development, rather than perpetual dependence on security measures.

“If Nigeria genuinely wants enduring peace in the Niger Delta, then let us educate the youths, employ the youths and empower the youths. Education and jobs are the strongest weapons against desperation. Support initiatives that deliver both, and Nigeria will reap the dividends in peace, stability, increased investment and economic growth.”

Signed:
Comrade Freeborn Abraye
National Coordinator
Niger Delta Advocates for Peace, Development and Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ).