The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has reassured Niger Delta residents that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to supporting the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), ensuring it continues to drive socio-economic growth in the region and across Nigeria.
Speaking during an interactive session in London with PAP’s foreign scholarship beneficiaries, organized by PAP Administrator Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro on the sidelines of President Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, Idris emphasized the president’s unwavering support for the initiative.
At the event, scholarship beneficiaries presented an Award of Appreciation to President Tinubu for his backing of the programme, which has facilitated the overseas and local education of hundreds of young Nigerians pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Among the notable attendees were the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Olorogun (Mrs) Gloria Aghaghovia, Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters to the Delta State Governor; and representatives of the Ijaw People’s Association in Great Britain and Ireland, along with other Niger Delta groups.
Idris, receiving the award on behalf of the president, praised Dr. Otuaro for “building a community of intellectuals” through the programme. He stressed the importance of continued funding, noting that PAP has transformed the Niger Delta’s image positively.
Addressing the students, Idris said:
“While President Tinubu is on his historic state visit to the UK, this event is something he is very proud of. I have accepted this plaque on his behalf and will personally deliver it, highlighting your achievements and the need for ongoing support for the Amnesty Programme. Over 223 of you are benefiting from this initiative in the UK, pursuing various degrees. This programme is creating a generation of intellectuals committed to the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.”
He commended Dr. Otuaro for the programme’s positive impact on youth and communities, urging students to excel academically and serve as proud ambassadors of Nigeria abroad.
“President Tinubu is dedicated to ensuring that all regions of Nigeria benefit from democracy’s dividends and the prosperity he promised,” Idris added.
In his goodwill message, Senator Lokpobiri lauded the president for his commitment to the Niger Delta, particularly the Ijaw people, and praised Dr. Otuaro’s achievements in implementing the programme.
Idris also highlighted Nigeria’s safety and stability, noting that since the current administration took office, the Niger Delta has provided the peace necessary for the oil and gas sector to thrive. He warned students not to be swayed by political propaganda ahead of the 2027 elections, reaffirming the president’s focus on regional development.
Dr. Otuaro, speaking at the event, noted that President Tinubu has consistently supported PAP, including reforms to improve service delivery. He highlighted the deployment of 8,205 scholarship beneficiaries over the past two years as evidence of the president’s commitment.
“Our president has embraced and expanded the programme, giving thousands of young people in the Niger Delta the chance to pursue higher education at home and abroad. PAP has promoted peace, security, and socio-economic development in the region, and we remain committed to creating more educational opportunities for our youth so they can compete globally and secure meaningful employment,” Otuaro said.
He also mentioned plans to enhance vocational training and expressed gratitude to National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for effectively supervising the programme in line with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Finally, Dr. Otuaro urged the people of the Niger Delta to support President Tinubu’s reelection, emphasizing that the president’s genuine dedication to the region promises even greater development ahead.
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