UNDP advises Fed Govt. on Niger Delta

                                               
The Country Director UNDP, Lamin Beyai has given the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and the Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (rtd) an assurance that the UNDP will collaborate with the PAP to sustain successes it has so far recorded.

Dr Beyai who gave the assurance during a meeting with the management of the Amnesty Office in Abuja, was accompanied by a technical delegation from the UNDP.

He said the UNDP intends to support the programme in various areas including skills training.

Dr Beyai further commended the effort of the Special Adviser/Coordinator in setting the record straight and his willingness to work according to the mandate of the programme as emphasised by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on his appointment.

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (rtd) in his remarks, said the visit and proposed intervention by UNDP was very timely and commended the current efforts put into the programme so far as the programme enters its critical stage.

His worry however was on how well the ex-agitators will utilise the skills acquired, emphasizing that the intervention is expected to create employment for self reliance, sustainability and non dependence on government.

The Head of Post-Training and Engagement Department in the Presidential Amnesty Office, Mr Dotimi Tawari in a presentation said some youths and women have completed training in formal education, vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

Mr Tawari said 206 beneficiaries of the programme have so far graduated and awarded first and second degrees in various courses, while some have completed vocational training in aviation, automobile mechanics, agriculture, welding and fabrication, oil and gas/maritime, health safety and environment (hse), carpentry/plumbing among other skills.

He further stressed that a total of 285 delegates are already engaged and employed by reputable firms within and outside the country and suggested collaboration with the UNDP to include building a community of eco-entrepreneurs and community empowerment professionals that will promote sustainable livelihoods for the vulnerable and poor with emphasis on UNDP support improving entrepreneurship skills.