Retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh, the Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), says the Niger Delta region will soon become a hub of oil business, if the modular refineries are operational.
Boroh said this in a statement issued by Ms. Stella Inametti, the PAP’s Head of Media and Communications on Thursday in Abuja.
She quoted Boroh as having made the remark on the Voice of Nigeria (VON’s) programme “In the News”.
“The Federal Government’s endorsement for modular refineries to be built by operators of illegal refineries and the process of engaging oil communities to protect oil pipelines have made the Niger Delta people part of the oil business,” he said.
Boroh explained that the government resolved the issue of illegal refineries in favour of the people after high level stakeholders’ meetings.
“In our fact finding and confidence building efforts, our high level government officials led by the Vice President met with the Niger Delta people, identified and articulated their immediate and future needs and we are now making spirited efforts to address them.”
On the efforts to reform the ex-agitators, he said it took continuous dialogue, patience and perseverance to make them appreciate the sincerity and commitment of the current government.
According to him, he is dealing with “special people” that have been living in the creeks and changing their mindsets demand hard work and prayers.
The presidential aide said that PAP initially had 35,000 beneficiaries, noting that 7,000 have already been trained as graduates in various universities within Nigeria and foreign countries in addition to acquiring vocational skills.
Boroh pointed out that many ex-agitators are interested in making a living from agriculture in line with the policy the Federal Government to diversify the economy.
