NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Presidential Amnesty Programme trains first batch of aircraft engineers

Presidential Amnesty Programme trains first batch of aircraft engineers

236 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Twenty Aircraft Maintenance Engineers have graduated from the Aviation Training Programme, organised by the the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The beneficiaries are part of the 75 Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers under the PAP Aviation Resuscitation Programme for ex-agitators from the Niger Delta.

Speaking on Monday in Lagos at the graduation of the trainees, Retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, the Interim Administrator, PAP, stated that the initiatives deployed by the PAP were designed to improve the lives of young people.

He said the training was critical to the supply of manpower globally in strategic industries and trade sectors.

Ndiomu was represented by Wilfred Musa, PAP’s Head of Reintegration.

He recalled that his administration decided to throw its weight behind the Aviation Resuscitation Programme, given the enormous opportunities that abound in the aviation industry and its relevance in building human capacity.

Ndiomu said that the programme had a global relevance.

“By the time you all get jobs within the aviation industry, whether locally or internationally, you will earn a decent living and access robust knowledge.

“This will also enable you to become a part of a global network which will in turn empower you to add value to your families, communities, and ultimately to Niger Delta,” he said.

He said that aviation training might be very expensive but there was no amount that was too much to invest in the capacity development of a Niger Deltan.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Leadstream Aviation Training Limited, Roland Ahmed, commended the Presidential Amnesty Office for not giving up on the Aviation delegates.

He added that the PAP, by reason of this investment, had become a strategic supplier of critical manpower to the fastest growing global industry.

Ahmed said that the successful 20 aircraft maintenance engineers would now proceed on a 12-month on-the-job-training (OJT) after which they would be licensed and type rated.

“The OJT experience has been fully funded by the PAP,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

NCS, PAP to strengthen inter-agency collaboration on Niger Delta

NCS, PAP to strengthen inter-agency collaboration on Niger Delta

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have agreed to partner to strengthen operations towards peace and development in the Niger Delta.

The strategic partnership was agreed when the acting Comptroller-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, hosted the PAP Interim Administrator, retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, at the Customs Headquarters, Abuja.

Adeniyi, who described Ndiomu’s visit as timely, said that it would further enhance the peace building efforts of the two institutions in the Niger Delta, and open up other vistas of opportunities.

He added that the NCS would benefit from PAP’s resourcefulness in terms of information sharing.

While commending Ndiomu on his achievements since he took up the PAP top job, Adeniyi expressed optimism that both agencies would work more closely to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

In his remarks, Ndiomu said that the visit was part of his ongoing strategic and far-reaching efforts to create linkages between the PAP and other relevant institutions.

This, he said, was to create windows of opportunities for ex-agitators to secure viable and sustainable means of livelihoods.

Ndiomu further restated his commitment to make the PAP more successful, while appealing to the Customs boss to enrol ex-agitators with degrees into the service.

The PAP Interim Administrator lauded Adeniyi for his strides in the NCS and assured that his administration would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace in the Niger Delta. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Firm to construct 300,000 housing units for Edo residents

Firm to construct 300,000 housing units for Edo residents

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By Nefishetu Yakubu

A real estate firm, Neighborhood Turn Key Project has pledged 300,000 units of affordable housing across the 18 local government areas of Edo to cushion the effects of housing deficit in the state.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the firm, Mrs Cecilia Atohengbe, disclosed this on Tuesday during the opening of a four-day Edo Shelter Conference in Benin.

Atohengbe said that the initiative was a pilot project in the state, adding that recent studies had shown that 28 million Nigerians were in dire need of shelters.

Atohengbe, who is also the convener of the conference, said participants would discuss housing problems, examine and proffer solutions to the average citizen.

“Governments, over the years, have come up with several projects to try and meet these housing needs of people living in shanties and slums.

“As a company, we have designed a solution to enable anyone who earns N40,000 to own a home in an environment with good roads, water, light and other amenities,” she said.

According to her, aspiring house owners do not necessarily need to be civil servants or own bank accounts.

“He/she moves into the house and starts paying. It will be a rent-and-own scheme,” she said.

Other estate and property developers, who spoke during a panel discussion at the event, identified land inaccessibility, stunted financial and mortgage system as part of the factors affecting housing delivery in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and ‘Wale Sadeeq

NGO submits document to address organised crimes in Niger Delta, others

NGO submits document to address organised crimes in Niger Delta, others

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By Emmanuella Anokam

Abuja, Sept. 21, 2023 (NAN) The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), an NGO said it has submitted a document to efficiently address organised crimes in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea.

The Executive Director, YEAC-Nigeria, Mr Fyneface Dumnamene said this on Thursday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Dumnamene said that the document was issued at the end of the National Conference on organised crime in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea (NACOCINAG) held on April 28.

According to him, the 7-page communiqué with 19 recommendations has been submitted to President Bola Tinubu and other relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA) including the Service Chiefs.

“The document is for the effective implementation of mitigating organised crime in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

“The organisation is at the forefront of the campaign against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries, and pollution.

“It is imperative to submit the communiqué to Mr President, as certain recommendations are required to be implemented by the Federal Government.

“The government will also liaise with other countries in the Gulf of Guinea through the Gulf of Guinea Commission, to address the menace of organised crime in Nigeria at large and the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.

The executive director said the organisation recommended immediate action such as establishment of a Presidential Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Development Initiative (PACORDI).

He said that PACORDI was proposed by the YEAC-Nigeria for the innovation, standardisation and integration of artisanal refineries into the national economy.

He said that the document recommended the immediate issuance of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s approved 18 Modular Refineries licenses for artisanal refiners in the Niger Delta.

Dumnamene said that the essence of the licenses was to mitigate organised crime and support sustainable youth empowerment.

“The document also emphasised the importance of partnering with other presidents in other countries in the Gulf of Guinea for the establishment of an effective taskforce against organised crime,” he said.

Dumnamene said the organisation requested a presidential directive to all security agencies to collaborate with the YEAC-Nigeria on organised crime in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea (NOCINAG).

He said that the collaboration should extend to other relevant stakeholders to help gather and share a platform that would generate intelligence information to strengthen the fight against organised crime in the areas.

“We also ask for immediate establishment of a Coast-Guard Mechanism to be known as Nigeria Coast and Border Guards (NCBG).

“The NCBG will collapse all government-private security arrangements into a standby supportive maritime security mechanism against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.

“The NCBG will also work to mitigate the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, among others, to strengthen homeland security efforts,” he said.

Dumnamene said that the stakeholders including local and international development partners support the work, projects and programmes of YEAC-Nigeria as a think-tank on organised crime mitigation mechanisms across the country.

He also called on other relevant stakeholders to support the efforts of the organisation, adding that the support would reduce crime and enhance development in the country and Gulf of Guinea. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

NDDC initiates plan for job creation in oil producing region

NDDC initiates plan for job creation in oil producing region

218 total views today

By Precious Akutamadu

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku has said that the commission was working towards creating job opportunities for youths in the region.

Ogbuku said this while addressing the Chairman of the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) and Convener of Niger Delta Young Professionals, Moses Siasia and members of his team, during a meeting in his office in Port Harcourt.

He said that the commission had been repositioned to bring about the much needed growth and development to inspire hope in the region.

“The NDDC is now largely focusing on sustainable partnerships in manpower and infrastructural development, with a short, medium and long term plan,” he said.

Ogbuku said that the commission had floated an initiative tagged, ‘Project Hope’, as part of its strategic arrangement to create job opportunities for young people in the Niger Delta.

He explained that Project Hope would focus on agriculture and tech hubs for young people, with the deliberate aim of providing sustainable means of livelihood for them.

“We have a new way of thinking and a new way of doing things. We are moving away from the past because times are changing and we need to catch up.

“Our deliberate and strategic plans are geared towards sustainable development. We are committed to ensure that we build the capacity of our youths in areas that they can have comparative advantage.

“We have set up what we call Project Hope.

“This initiative is focused on tech hubs and agriculture. It will take our youths out of poverty and help to create sustainable livelihood.

“They will be their own bosses and also employers of labour,” he said.

The NDDC boss explained further that the commission is building a database of youths in the region to aid its planning and manpower development.

He said that the comprehensive database would enable the NDDC to appropriate its empowerment scheme.

On innovative plans to change its operations, Ogbuku said the commission had engaged KPMG to develop an Internal Corporate Governance System.

While decrying the number of abandoned projects in the region, he said that the commission was partnering with state governments in the Niger Delta, individuals and institutions to maximise its developmental agenda.

“The partnership will enhance the quick delivery of critical infrastructure in the region,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, Moses Siasia lauded the NDDC boss on the massive reforms he had embarked on, which according to him had made the commission more result-oriented.

Siasia said they were in his office on a familiarisation visit and to congratulate him on his appointment.

He added that they have no doubt in his capacity of Ogbuku to deliver on his job.

He described the NDDC’s new thinking and vision as a product of purposeful leadership under Ogbuku and called for support from people of the region for him to succeed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Ndiomu urges Niger Delta youths to rise above entitlement mentality

Ndiomu urges Niger Delta youths to rise above entitlement mentality

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has charged the youth the Niger Delta Region to set the stage for success by rising above the ‘entitlement mentality’.

The Interim Administrator of the PAP, retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, said this in a statement by Mr Musa Wilfred, Head of Reintegration, on Monday in Abuja.

Ndiomu said that if the youth in the Niger Delta Region could rise above the “entitlement mentality”, the sky would be too small to be their starting point.

He urged the youth of the region to begin to think out of the box and come up with innovative ideas.

According to him, if the youth in the Niger Delta Region can rise above entitlement mentality, the sky will be too small to be their starting point.

“Everybody stands a chance, so the youth of the region must begin to think out of the box and come up with innovative ideas.

He noted that the recent Niger Delta 3rd MSME Summit in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, was an avenue to sensitise the youths of the region.

“We have decided to begin to reason outside the box. We must understand the times and take proper advantage as well as map out opportunities for success.

“The war between Russia and Ukraine has exposed the harsh realities surrounding grains globally.

“Currently, there is scarcity of grains and starch globally; and we have cassava plantations all over the region.

“Very soon, brewery companies in Nigeria will start looking for starch. This global shift affects everybody, and we must begin to take advantage of the current situation,” he said.

Ndiomu reiterated that the mandate of the PAP was to manage the destiny of thousands youths, adding that in view of this, the youth must be reminded that there was virtue in adversity and resilience, as nothing comes cheaply.

“We must be in a place, where we are able to adequately predict the future. We must innovate, we must remind ourselves that there is virtue in adversity and resilience, and nothing good comes cheaply.

“There is a notion about the region out there, and we must all agree jointly to alter that narrative.

“As young business owners, you must understand that beyond innovation, collaboration, networking, access to funds, loans and grants, lobbying, you have a role to play,” he said.

He admonished the youth of the region to embrace discipline and mentoring, as there was a price to pay for every height to be attained.

“There is a price to pay for every height you want to attain, so as young leaders you must be ready and willing to pay the price.

“You must also keep calm heads, as skills without character are useless, so you must be worthy in skill and character,” he said (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Isaac Aregbesola

Niger Delta Group alerts FG of unqualified individuals lobbying for PAP jobs

Niger Delta Group alerts FG of unqualified individuals lobbying for PAP jobs

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Retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu

 

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Niger Delta Integrity Group (NDIG) has alerted the Federal Government of some unqualified individuals trying secure jobs at the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) at all costs.

The Convener of the group, Dr Boma Horsfall said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

‘’These individuals are responsible for spreading falsehood against the leadership of the programme.

“The allegations of massive fraud in the PAP as reported by some sections of the media; are unsubstantiated and are inconsiderately geared toward bringing the image of the Interim Administrator to disrepute.

“There is a criminal conspiracy of PAP beneficiaries who were delisted because of stipends payment Bank Verification Number (BVN) fraud, to blackmail the Interim Administrator, Retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu with falsehoods.

“A misleading allegation and urging anti-graft agencies to investigate the PAP over alleged fraud is a mischievous attempt to smear the leadership and management of the programme,’’ he said.

He added: “Also, the unfounded allegation that some members of staff in the office are receiving huge amounts for welfare running into millions of naira monthly is a fictitious imagination.’’

He appealed to the federal government to engage the service of credible multinational service networks to conduct examination for people seeking for the PAP job.

Horsfall said that if done, the government would be shocked to see that such persons would run back into their holes, adding that they lack the intellectual capacity to head such a sensitive office.

‘’It is shameful that our country has found itself in such a situation that miscreants and illiterates will be aspiring for sensitive public service jobs.

“The pedigree and capacity of Ndiomu, a seasoned retired General, is scarce in the region.

“Hence, the need for positive minded people to rally round him and give him the much needed support to reposition the PAP and bring the needed growth to our youths.

“As a group, the NDIG wishes to reiterate that it is the trademark culture and tradition of our people to blackmail each other for selfish reasons and gains,’’ he said.

He added: “The NDIG urges relevant security agencies to go after those spreading falsehood and inciting the public negatively.

“We also urge the Interim Administrator to not be deterred in his noble quest to change the negative narrative of the Amnesty Programme for the benefit of the entire Niger Delta.’’ (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

CMY/GOM/ABI

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam

with this on the web

Oil theft: Security operatives set impounded vessel ablaze in Delta

Oil theft: Security operatives set impounded vessel ablaze in Delta

198 total views today

By Edeki Igafe

The TANTITA Security Services Limited and the Joint Task Force (JTF), on Tuesday set ablaze MT TURA 11 vessel that was intercepted on Saturday in Delta with stolen crude oil.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vessel was arrested while siphoning crude oil from a platform jacket on the Escravos River, off Ondo State.

NAN also reports that the 500 metric tons capacity vessel had 12 crew on board.

The vessel was set ablaze at the Bennett Island, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta.

Addressing newsmen, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Technical and Operations of TANTITA, said that the decision to destroy the vessel would served as deterrent to oil thieves, sponsors and their international partners.

He warned investors who indulged in the illicit business of oil theft to desist or prepare to lose their assets

Enisuoh said that the security outfit in collaboration with the Nigeria security agencies, would make the perpetrators uncomfortable with the illegal trade.

“The whole idea of destroying the vessel is to send a message to investors in the waterways who indulged in oil theft to be prepared to lose their assets.

“It is not going to be business as usual. It doesn’t end here, government is doing everything possible to ensure that this illegality is stopped,” he said.

The officials of the Operation DELTA SAFE led by its Commandant, Vice Adm. Eugenio Ferreira were in attendance to witness the destruction of the vessel. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

No Niger Delta ruler, elder called for Ndiomu’s sack – Group

No Niger Delta ruler, elder called for Ndiomu’s sack – Group

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Ndiomu

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Niger Delta Integrity Group (NDIG) says no elders, traditional rulers and other groups have called for the sack of the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu.

This is contained in a statement on Friday by the Convener of the NDIG, Dr Boma Horsfall.

According to Horsfall, Ndiomu, who has enormous respect for traditional institutions, enjoys a cordial relationship with the traditional rulers and elders in the Niger Delta region.

“This has been demonstrated in Ndiomu’s series of meetings with them and other critical stakeholders across the region.

“At those meetings, he normally  engaged them on innovate policies to bring the teeming youth out of the dark and create sustainable livelihoods for them.

“In fact, the NDIG after conducting due diligence and investigation, discovered that there are some resentful and unpatriotic elements who have resolve to destroy the good work and image of Ndiomu.

“For the records, their claims are false and non-existent. It is disappointing that they have now descended to an all-time low level of lunacy.

“Who are the purported elders and traditional rulers that endorsed the false accusations? It is public knowledge that all critical stakeholders of the Niger Delta region, including Elders and Traditional Rulers, are in full support of Ndiomu’s undertakings at the PAP,”  he said.

According to Horsfall, Ndiomu is widely loved and accepted across the region, adding that he should not to be deterred by the whims and caprices of ” a few dishonest elements who are displaying the shortsighted physiognomies of some of our people”.

He called on the general public to disregard any sponsored statements from those individuals who have in the past come forth with fraudulent and bogus contract claims that PAP has refused to attend to.

He alleged that such unpatriotic individuals in the past were fished out as those having multiple accounts linked to one BVN and fraudulently collecting monthly stipends for many years.

“Their negative plans against Ndiomu would not work, because the PAP Interim Administrator is transparent and accountable in all his activities at the PAP.

“We commend Ndiomu on the recently launched Cooperative Scheme, and considers it one of the best ways to create windows of opportunities for youths in the region,”. (NAN)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

PAP: N/Delta group lauds Buhari over Ndiomu’s appointment

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Niger Delta Rights Assembly (NDRA) has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment of retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu as the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
This is contain in a statement signed by the President of NDRA, Chief Israel Bokromo and made available to News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday.
The group described the appointment of Ndiomu as a blessing to the Niger Delta region and the nation in general.
Bokromo expressed the group’s appreciation to the president for the appointment
“We thank President Buhari for overlooking primordial sentiments and self-serving lobbyists in his choice of Ndiomu, whom it said has brought sanity and order into the Programme
“We also want to thank also laud Ndiomu for rising to the occasion of tackling the challenges facing the Amnesty Programme.
“We recognise the pressure mounted on Buhari to discontinue the programme by persons who do not mean well for the nation and Niger Delta people in particular.
“The President did not only snub the lobbyists, he appointed Ndiomu, a man of proven military discipline and integrity.
“We wish to place on record that Ndiomu’s appointment is not misplaced.
”Since his arrival at the Amnesty office, he has allowed an audit of the Programme’s activities which has exposed several fraudulent activities.
“He brought a regime of reforms that has helped to block the leakages and conduits through which many criminal-minded persons have been profiting and stealing money meant for the genuine ex-militants,” Bokromo said.
According to him, the assembly commended the Buhari government for involving critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta in maintaining peace and ensuring security of oil and gas infrastructure as well as stemming the tide of stolen crude in the creeks.
He noted that the involvement of stakeholders like Mr Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo to secure oil and gas infrastructure in the creeks was a masterstroke that had significantly reduced the incidence of oil theft.
“The group noted that the culture of probity, accountability and transparency instituted by Ndiomu is yielding anticipated results, especially the exposure of monumental fraud bordering on flawed payment systems and contract inflation.
“The group listed some of the achievements recorded by Ndiomu to include, earning the confidence and support of Buhari and timely payment of monthly allocations.
“Another achievement is sustaining peace in the region leading to increased production of crude oil at an average of 1.67million barrels per day,
“Other achievements are the new policy initiatives on cooperative, completion of five vocational training centres and data sanitisation to verify genuine ex agitators, among others,” he said.
He further explained that barely six months, Ndiomu had saved the programme over N1.5 billion from inflated contracts.
Bokromo added that Ndiomu had effectively positioned the programme towards achieving its core mandate of addressing the needs of ex-militants rather than meeting the needs of a few emergency contractors who lack both competence and capacity.
He, however, urged the in-coming government to sustain the culture of probity and fiscal responsibility instituted by Ndiomu to stave off agitations in the future. (NAN)
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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Isaac Aregbesola
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