After 18 months of dedicated leadership, Major General Barry Ndiomu (retd) has gracefully handed over the reins of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
In a concise ceremony held at the PAP Office in Abuja on Monday, Ita Henshaw, Technical Assistant to the former Interim Administrator, facilitated the transfer of responsibilities to Otuaro.
Assuring his commitment, Otuaro pledged not to falter in the trust vested in him by President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. He articulated his mission to serve the Niger region and the nation with unwavering dedication, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards failure.
Encouraging staff members to align with his vision, Otuaro emphasized the importance of cooperation to propel the office towards excellence. He underscored his selfless dedication to the program’s objectives and urged his team to embrace a similar ethos.
“I rely on everyone’s support to elevate this program to greater heights. Let us set aside distractions and focus on our duties. We must not falter in our commitment to fulfill the expectations of the President, the NSA, the people of the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole.”
“My allegiance lies with this country and particularly with the Niger Delta. We will streamline operations and address any challenges hindering our progress. Together, we will forge ahead,” he affirmed.
The appointment of Otuaro as Interim Administrator was approved by Tinubu last Thursday, signaling a new phase for the PAP under his stewardship. With the notable achievements of Ndiomu, expectations are high for Otuaro to build upon this legacy and address the persistent challenges facing the Niger Delta.
Ndiomu’s tenure saw significant strides, including the resuscitation and training of Type-Rated Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Cooperative Scheme, and the provision of sustained scholarships. His contributions have left an enduring impact on the lives of PAP beneficiaries.
Initiated in 2009, the Presidential Amnesty Programme aims to mitigate youth restiveness and the sabotage of oil processing infrastructure in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, emphasizing the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-agitators into society.
