The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, High Chief Dr Dennis Otuaro, has praised women in the region for their crucial role in sustaining the existing peace and stability, stressing that "the destiny of the Niger Delta" is in their hands.

Dr. Otuaro gave the commendation when he hosted a cross section of women from the region at the second-day PAP expanded stakeholders' meeting that held at The KFT Place in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

According to the PAP Boss, women, who he described were the first casualties in the Niger Delta struggle, were initially overlooked when the PAP programme began, but however gave the assurance that under his leadership, women will be included the amnesty programme and given empowerment.

"When we empower our mothers, you know that we can sustain our values, we can sustain our culture. Without our mothers, without the women... we cannot achieve anything. Because most fathers travel far away to look for something to sustain the family, but women, no matter wherever they are, they can check on the house more than the men," Otuaro stated.

The Administrator further said that approximately 780 women have been sent to the university; that in-country 2,781 women have graduated from university; while in vocational training 1,389 women have received training, and about 1,208 women have been economically empowered.

He stressed that women's contributions are vital to building a robust home and community, and their empowerment is essential for meaningful participation in the peace-building process.

He appealed to the women to be patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is working tirelessly to reform the country for a prosperous tomorrow and is interested in the amnesty programme.

"When there is no peace, you (women) are the transmitters.. Let me appreciate you. And on behalf of Mr. President, that even the economic challenges, because of the ongoing reforms, it's you women and our mothers that are suffering it more. And we know that by the grace of God, these are temporal challenges," Dr. Otuaro added.

Meanwhile, Ms Ankio Briggs, a Niger Delta activist, in her address to her fellow women counterparts and tbe PAP administrator, praised the Otuaro-led administration as being noble in engaging with mothers on such a critical stakeholders meeting.

Briggs, who alleged that the women have been oppressed by the men since the beginning of the amnesty programme, said, "A lot of people, a lot of men have taken charge of the amnesty programme. We're not begrudging that. But yes, somewhere along the line, the women that paid a very high sacrifice were not part of the process. I don't like saying carried along. Nobody's carrying anybody along. We're part of the process. We made the same sacrifices," she stated.

"And yes, I agree, and I am happy that looking forward, women are now recognized as part of this process... Nigeria cannot move forward without the women of the Niger Delta region. That the peace the government is enjoying in Nigeria today is because we, the women, we, the mothers, have said that this is the time that there should be this level of peace. The Administrator has told us what he's doing for women, what he's going to do for women. I want him to believe and know that we will support him," she added.

On her part, Chief Vero Emmanuel JP, speaking on behalf of the women, thanked the Amnesty Boss for the timely engagement of women and considering women as critical stakeholders in the peace building of the Niger Delta.

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