JONATHAN ATTRIBUTES PEACE IN N/DELTA, INCREASE IN OIL PRODUCTION TO AMNESTY PROGRAMME

By Davidson Iriekpen. President Goodluck Jonathan has listed peace in the Niger/Delta region, increased oil exploration and revived economy as part of the gains of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Speaking in Lagos yesterday at the public presentation of a book written by the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, titled: "Remaking of the Niger Delta: Challenges and Opportunities", the President pledged to sustain the programme till all the militants are fully integrated. Jonathan, who was represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, extolled Kuku for working assiduously to ensure the Niger Delta wears a new look. He said the militancy in the region crippled the nation's economy in 2009 by robbing the country of over N3 trillion in revenue. "We also had low reserves. foreign investment was also poor and insecurity in the region was fingered and late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua granted the militants amnesty”, Jonathan recalled. The President said about 23,580 ex-agitators enlisted in the amnesty programme, adding that 13,078 have been trained in various profession and vocation. The President expressed delight that the amnesty programme has brought peace to the region. He commended the late president Yar’Adua for initiating the amnesty, while urging the youths to “maintain the peace, imbibe the values of discipline, commitment and hard work in whatever you are doing and the sky would be your their limit.” Making reference to his own background, he said the youths “don’t have to be born of rich parents to become somebody in life.” President Jonathan said he would “work and partner all Nigerian youths because as leaders of tomorrow you have a big role to play in changing the way we have been doing things in this country,” adding that the Federal Government would also partner the state governments to create jobs for the youths. “We have reached a stage where we must do things differently and begin to attract foreign investments,” he noted. Also speaking at the event, the Senate President, David Mark, represented by Senator Nurudeen Usman, described the book as a noble initiative. Mark said it was regrettable that 50 years after oil was struck in the country, there was no law to protect the environment or sanction companies that involved in environmental degradation. He added that what oil companies dare not do overseas because of the laws in those countries were the things, they do in Nigeria because of the Nigeria’s weak laws. He assured that a bill meant to sanction oil and gas companies was underway, adding that Kuku's commitment has led to the development of invaluable human resources for the region and the nation as a whole. "The aviation college has not trained more than 250 pilots since inception but the amnesty programme has within two years trained about 200 pilots. But I urge him to continue with the good works as we'll be the first to criticise him if he goes in the wrong direction", he said.

JONATHAN PROMISES MORE INFRASTRUCTURE, EMPLOYMENT

Friday, 21 September 2012.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday in Lagos said that his administration would continue to provide needed security, employment opportunities and infrastructure that would transform the country. Jonathan made the pledge in Lagos at the public presentation of a book titled “Remaking the Niger Delta, challenges and opportunities”. The book was written by Kingsley Kuku, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme. Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the president said that such efforts would help in elevating the youths and Nigerians in general, adding that the leadership could not afford to let the youths down. He also promised that his administration would continue to provide support that would improve the amnesty programme. ``The Federal Government’s unconditional amnesty in 2009 has brought peace and stability to the region because the agitators through their action had almost crippled the nation’s economy. “Insecurity in the region then was the key reason why investors were leaving the area, while kidnapping of crude oil workers was affecting the image of the nation. “The situation got to the point that Nigeria was producing about 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day while Nigeria lost N3 billion,” he said. The president added that 23,589 agitators were listed on the amnesty programme with 13,078 of them trained in various fields while 7,000 had been fully employed The President also commended the author of the book and recommended it to scholars, researchers and Nigerians. “I am particularly delighted that Kuku in the book stated that the Niger Delta region now wears a new look “Our modest efforts in this sector have helped to bring security and peace to the region for the benefits of all Nigerians,” he said. Also speaking, Senate President. David Mark, commended the author for his efforts in restoring peace and sanity to the Niger Delta. “From 700,000 barrels per day during the period of youth restiveness in the region, Nigeria now produces about 2.6 million barrels of crude oil per day,” he said. Mark, represented by Sen. Nurudeen Abateni-Usman, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on the Niger Delta, announced that a bill to regulate oil operation in the region had passed the second reading in the senate. “We know those who are doing the irresponsible act but there are no law which we can use to prosecute them and made them to clean up the environmental degradation caused by their actions. “Such a law would also streamline employment quota for Nigerians and foreigners to be engaged by the oil prospecting multinationals. “It is regrettable that 16,000 of the 19,000 people working in Bonny Island are foreigners doing what Nigerians could easily do. “This deficiency must change, so that the agitation for gainful employment by the Niger Delta youths will stop,” Mark said. Speaking, Kingsley Kuku, author of the book, pleaded that other Nigerians should support the sustainability of the current peace in the Niger Delta region achieved through the amnesty programme. “Clear environmental developments are needed in the Niger Delta so that those militants undergoing local and foreign trainings will not revert to agitation to control the crude oil resources in the region on their return. “There is sanity now and expatriates can do their jobs without being held hostage and this must be sustained by all. ``We need the contributions of all Nigerians to ensure that the region and country is peaceful and does not become a fragile nation,’’ he said. Prof. Godini Darah while reviewing the book also reminded the Federal Government of the strategic position of the region to the national economic development. Lagos State Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope–Adefulire, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, his Majesty Alfred Diette- Spiff, the Amanaynabo of Twon Brass, Bayelsa, members of the national assembly, chieftains of the People Democratic Party among others attended the ceremony.

NAN

NIGER DELTA MAY BOIL AGAIN UNLESS......KUKU

Niger Delta May Boil Again Unless... –Kuku

Written by Donald Ojogo, Regional. Saturday, 22 September 20, 2012

Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Office, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, has described the current prevailing peace in the Niger Delta as ‘fragile’, warning that the region’s peace may relapse to another brand of restiveness, unless relevant developmental agencies intensify efforts to change the face of the nation’s oil rich belt. Kuku spoke at the public presentation of his book, “Remaking The Niger Delta: Challenges and Opportunities” in Lagos on Friday, as President Goodluck Jonathan expressed optimism that the region’s developmental challenges would soon be over, saying, “serious efforts are on” in that regard. According to the Presidential Aide, the relative peace in the Niger Delta needed to be sustained through a synergy of efforts in order to avoid a situation where the Presidential Amnesty Office would be over stretched, averring that his office is not an infrastructure-focused body. “Today, as we savour the benefits of the amnesty proclamation and its attendant derivatives after disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, the nation has gone ahead in terms of oil production quota from a disturbing 700,000 barrels per day in the pre-proclamation era to an enviable figure of almost 3 million barrels per day. “Crucially, the post amnesty programme merely gives relevant agencies such as the multinational oil companies, states, local governments, NDDC as well as the Ministry of Niger Delta the rare opportunity to commence immediate developmental efforts in order to avoid future agitations that may take an entirely different dimension. “This is very crucial because, unlike before, when there were no trained employable technicians of Niger Delta origin, we now have eminently qualified ones, who can favourably compete with their counterparts all over the world,” he said.

FUNDS UTILISATION: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LAUDS AMNESTY PROGRAMME

18 Sep 2012 by: Ndubuisi Francis http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/funds-utilisation-national-assembly-lauds-amnesty-programme/125264/

The National Assembly has applauded the management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, describing it as judicious utilisation of public funds. Members of the Senate and House Committees on Niger Delta handed down the commendation in Johannesburg, South Africa, after completing their oversight/inspection visit to the Afrika Union Aviation Academy in Mafikeng and the Flight Training Services in Midrand, where 53 Niger Delta youths are being trained as pilots. A statement issued by the Head, Media and Communication of the Amnesty Office, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, leader of the delegation and Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, expressed satisfaction that the programme was being properly implemented. His words: “We came here to assess how deep the amnesty programme is. We all know what brought about this programme because Nigeria decided to address a fundamental injustice to a section of the country. “From what we have seen and experienced during our interaction with the trainees, I can tell Nigerians that the amnesty programme gives us hope and we are very proud of these youths. The funds allocated to the programme are being judiciously used and we will continue to support and expand its scope.” Abatemi-Usman described the young pilots as the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry. Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, commended the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, who oversees the programme, saying he has succeeded in dismissing the cynicism towards the programme. “When amnesty was granted, most Nigerians thought nothing good will come out of it. But now the story is different. Our youths are being trained all over the world in critical sectors. We are very impressed and my advice to these young Nigerians is to continue to be good ambassadors of our country,” Ogoriba said. The Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi, on his part, noted that aviation is a sector that requires excellence globally and the trainees must give their best to be able to compete. According to Ningi, amnesty is not a Nigerian concept that is meant for a particular region, adding: “Trainees must realise that they represent the whole country wherever they are. What we saw here gives us hope in Nigeria.” “The amnesty programme has exceeded our expectation and we are very proud of these young Nigerians. Besides, this is a practical demonstration that the fund allocated to the programme is not a waste; it is not money down the drain,” Ningi stated. All the legislators, including Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Hon. Moshood Mustapha and Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, went on separate solo flights with the trainee pilots. Senator Okowa particularly expressed delight that he was flown by a female trainee from Delta State, Ngozi Idigbe.

AMNESTY FUNDS WELL UTILISED-NASS

The National Assembly has described the implementation of the amnesty programme for Niger Delta youths as judicious utilisation of public funds. Members of the Senate and House Committees on Niger Delta stated this in Johannesburg, South Africa, after completing their oversight/inspection visit to the Afrika Union Aviation Academy in Mafikeng and the Flight Training Services in Midrand, where 53 Niger Delta youths are being trained as pilots. Leader of the delegation and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, expressed satisfaction that the programme was being properly implemented. His words: “We came here to assess how deep the amnesty programme is. We all know what brought about this programme because Nigeria decided to address a fundamental injustice to a section of the country. “From what we have seen and experienced during our interaction with the trainees, I can tell Nigerians that the amnesty programme gives us hope and we are very proud of these youths. The funds allocated to the programme are being judiciously used and we will continue to support and expand its scope.” Senator Abatemi-Usman described the young pilots as the future of Nigeria's aviation industry. Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, commended the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, who oversees the programme, saying he has succeeded in dismissing the cynicism towards the programme. “When amnesty was granted, most Nigerians thought nothing good will come out of it. But now the story is different. Our youths are being trained all over the world in critical sectors. We are very impressed and my advice to these young Nigerians is to continue to be good ambassadors of our country,” Ogoriba said. The Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi, on his part, noted that aviation is a sector that requires excellence globally and the trainees must give their best to be able to compete. According to Senator Ningi, amnesty is not a Nigerian concept that is meant for a particular region. “Trainees must realise that they represent the whole country wherever they are. What we saw here gives us hope in Nigeria. The amnesty programme has exceeded our expectation and we are very proud of these young Nigerians. Besides, this is a practical demonstration that the fund allocated to the programme is not a waste; it is not money down the drain." All the legislators, including Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Hon. Moshood Mustapha and Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, went on separate solo flight with the trainee pilots. Senator Okowa particularly expressed delight that he was flown by a female trainee from Delta State, Ngozi Idigbe.
 DANIEL ALABRAH

 HEAD, MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

 JOHANNESBURG SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

AMNESTY PILOTS FLY NASS MEMBERS

Senators and House of Reps members have thumped-up the amnesty programme, describing its implementation as judicious usage of public funds. They gave the commendation at the Afrika Union Aviation Academy in South Africa yesterday after embarking on solo flights with pilot trainees under the presidential amnesty programme. Apart from the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, the Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, also undertook solo flights. Others were the Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta, Hon. Warman Ogoriba and another member of the committee, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke.

The NASS members are visiting some of the PAP training centres in South Africa in continuation of their oversight duties. Hear Senator Ningi: "The amnesty programme has exceeded our expectation. What we saw here gives us hope in Nigeria. We are very proud of these young Nigerians. They are our worthy ambassadors in this country (South Africa). "Besides, this is a practical demonstration that the funds allocated to the programme is not a waste; it is not money down the drain." An excited Senator Abatemi-Usman described the young pilots as the future of Nigeria's aviation industry, saying the National Assembly will continue to support the programme and expand its scope.

Others in the team are Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Hon. Moshood Mustapha. Our own veteran pilot and aviation guru, Captain Prekeme Porbeni, was also present. Thirty-five delegates are currently being trained at the AUAA. Seven of them were presented private pilot certificate, one got commercial pilot certificate and another a first solo flight certificate. The tour continues today with visit to the Flight Training Services in Midrand. -
Dan Alabrah
14/09/12

117 NIGER DELTA YOUTHS RESUME AT LEAD CITY UNIVERSITY, IBADAN

A total of 117 Niger Delta students yesterday, resumed studies at the Lead City University Ibadan. While a few of the new intakes are admitted into access diploma, a broad range are in the Sciences, Social Sciences, and Management Sciences. Addressing the students at an orientation ceremony organized by the school in Ibadan yesterday, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, represented by Head, Education, Mr Patterson Ogon, advised the students to take academics seriously and be counted as worthy ambassadors of the families and communities they come from. The Special Adviser also used the opportunity to announce the introduction of various academic awards to promote educational excellence amongst beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Outstanding students in the various areas and disciplines, he says shall be honoured at the end of every academic session and expressed hope that the students shall take the window of opportunity offered by this kind gesture to be counted in the success story of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The various awards announced at the ceremony include: 1. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN AWARD for overall best student in the Amnesty programme every academic session. 2. LATE PRESIDENT UMARU MUSA YAR’ADUA AWARD for overall best student in Sciences. This award is to select the best amnesty student in Nigerian universities as well as the best Amnesty Science student in other universities across the world. 3. GENERAL GODWIN ABBE AWARD for best school in discipline and exemplary conduct; 4. AIR VICE MARSHALL ARARILE AWARD for best graduating student in Aviation Studies; 5. NDUTIMI ALAIBE AWARD for best graduating student in Management and Entrepreneurship; and 6. DR (MRS) TIMIEBI KORIPAMO-AGARY AWARD for Overall best Female amnesty student 12/09/12