By Lucky Uto
Leaders of ex-agitators from the nine oil-producing states, under the banner of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum, have rolled out drums in celebration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Coordinator, Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, marking his two years in office with resounding applause and a strong appeal to President Bola Tinubu to sustain his appointment.
The ex-agitators’ leaders, who gathered in Warri in a show of solidarity, described Otuaro’s tenure as a period of unprecedented transformation, crediting President Tinubu for appointing “a very well-read Niger Deltan” who has redefined the programme and touched lives through strategic policies and inclusive governance.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, the National President, Chief Aroni Oputu, widely known as General Aroni, told journalists that Otuaro has successfully shifted the PAP from a mere stipend-paying initiative to a robust human capital development scheme, fostering peace, education, and sustainable livelihoods in the restive region.
“Since his appointment on March 14, 2024, Dr. Dennis Otuaro has focused on transitioning the programme from a stipend-based model to one of sustainable human capital development,” General Aroni stated. “We heartily congratulate our very own for attaining two years of impactful service.”
Outlining a series of landmark achievements under Otuaro’s leadership, General Aroni said; “Chief Otuaro’s administration has significantly scaled up the scholarship scheme, deploying over 9,000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria between 2024 and 2025.
In-country placements rose from 3,800 to 4,500 in the 2025/2026 session, while about 200 students were sent to top institutions in the UK, USA, and Canada for specialized studies. Academic excellence soared, with 32 beneficiaries earning First Class honours and 134 securing Second Class Upper divisions in fields such as Law, Cybersecurity, and Aeronautical Engineering in 2025 alone.”
“Over 3,400 laptops were distributed to scholarship students to bridge the digital divide.
Dormant aviation programmes were revived, leading to the training of 40 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and the deployment of four cadet pilots to South Africa for type-rating.
In the maritime sector, 98 cadets underwent refresher courses and Officer of the Watch certifications to bolster the blue economy.”
“He adopting a training-to-employment model, by facilitating the absorption of beneficiaries into leading airlines including Air Peace and United Nigeria Airline, creating tangible career pathways for Niger Delta youths.”
“Through consistent stakeholder engagement with traditional rulers, camp leaders, and youth councils, Otuaro’s team maintained regional stability, resolving 100 out of 135 documented conflicts via Alternative Dispute Resolution.
The programme’s database was overhauled, with 12,467 records verified and over 1,100 obsolete entries removed to ensure transparency.
Timely payment of stipends was also emphasized as a key factor in sustaining peace and preventing unrest.”
“We which to say unequivocally that Chief Dennis Otuaro’s efforts have not gone unnoticed; we are aware and part of all his programmes and policies. We believe in him; and we are sure that others who are yet to benefit will surely be carried along “.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we proudly say that we are proud of you (Cheif Dennis Otuaro).
Your leadership has laid a strong foundation for greater achievements, and we are confident that the coming years will deliver even more impact for the people of the Niger Delta”
General Aroni further urged the people of the Niger Delta to continue supporting Otuaro and called on President Tinubu to sustain his appointment.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu to sustain the appointment of Chief Dennis Otuaro for the continuous transformation of our people. This is the only way to complete the change of narrative in the region,” he added.
