Kuku urges revival of Niger Delta vocational centres
By Aderogba George
Mr Kingsley Kuku, the former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs, on Thursday passionately appealed for the resurgence of vocational and training centres in the Niger Delta region.
He made the appeal in a recent visit to the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu in Abuja.
Expressing regret at the damage suffered by some of these centres, Kuku urged the interim administrator not to be discouraged and emphasised the significance of reinstating these facilities.
“Please bring back these centres, no matter what it will cost you,” he implored.
Kuku suggested that the revitalised facilities could serve as advanced training centres, extending beyond the scope of training ex-agitators to becoming valuable resources for universities in the region.
Commending past and present leaders for their roles in creating and sustaining the PAP, Kuku acknowledged the efforts of late President Musa Yar’Adua, ex-President Jonathan, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the incumbent President, Bola Tinubu.
Addressing concerns about media attacks on the interim administrator, Kuku encouraged Ndiomu to remain steadfast in his efforts.
He also highlighted the administrator’s plan to revive the pilots/aircraft maintenance engineers programme, emphasising its importance in today’s aviation industry.
In response, Ndiomu assured Kuku of his administration’s commitment to building on existing legacies.
He acknowledged Kuku’s contributions to the high number of graduates under the Amnesty Scheme but expressed disappointment at inheriting significant debts.
Ndiomu proposed a transition of the scheme into a “Social Investment Agency” to directly impact the lives of youths in the region.
The interim administrator lamented the vandalism of the Kaiama Vocational Training Centre in Bayelsa and revealed plans to name the training center in Agadagba-Obon, Ondo State, after Kuku.
He also shared progress, noting that 106 beneficiaries had been trained and certified in digital skills with the support of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), while over 600 were currently undergoing various digital courses.
In the face of challenges, the collaborative efforts of leaders and advocates like Kuku and Ndiomu aim to bring hope and positive transformation to the Niger Delta region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
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