By Nathan Nwakamma

The Bayelsa Government has urged the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to partner with the State Governments in the Niger Delta region, especially Bayelsa, to stimulate regional integration and cooperation in the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr. Alaowei Jonah, an Aide to Gov. Douye Diri on PAP, made the call in Yenagoa on Tuesday.

He said that Bayelsa as willing partners would support the various and laudable initiatives of PAP.

He also appealed to the Interim Administrator of PAP, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd.), to include more youths from the state to benefit from the various agricultural and cooperative schemes he planned to establish.

Jonah also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for reappointing Ndiomu, describing his tenure extension as a reward for excellent service in his first appointment.

He said: “Ndiomu at different events had hinted that the proposed schemes to be sponsored by the Amnesty Office would help to address the issue of unemployment in the Niger Delta and reduce the overdependence on the monthly N65, 000 stipend by ex-agitators.

“We think it is laudable and we commend him for that.

“Our request is that he should include more of our youths in the proposed schemes so they can benefit from it.

“We also call for more partnership with the PAP in different areas.

“While we congratulate Ndiomu for his reappointment, we commend the president, who made it possible through his belief in this great Ijaw son.

“We know that he would continue to make us proud by discharging the functions of his office for the collective interest of the Niger Delta and the country.

“Ndiomu is a square peg in a square hole and we commend him for supporting ICT-driven skill acquisition programmes organised by the National Spokesman for the Ijaw Youths Council Worldwide.

“The interim administrator provided laptops and accessories for beneficiaries.”

Jonah further urged Ndiomu to make the rehabilitation of the PAP training centre at Boro Town a matter of priority to enable ex-agitators to have a standard and safe environment for training.

The governor’s aide also reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to work with institutions of the Federal Government to bring development to the state, especially in the areas of employment generation and skills acquisition.

According to him, the governor has provided the enabling environment for such partnership to thrive through his open-door policy and peaceful disposition. (NAN)

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