Chief Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), held a stakeholder meeting with thousands of Niger Delta women in Warri on Wednesday to discuss their critical role in fostering peace and stability in the region and to promote their empowerment within the PAP framework.
Speaking at the meeting, Otuaro acknowledged the historical sacrifices made by women during the Niger Delta struggle. “You were the first casualties in the Niger Delta struggle,” he stated, reflecting on the need for the PAP to prioritize women’s voices and contributions.
Otuaro pledged to empower women under his leadership, stating, “In the PAP programme, women have a lot to benefit. Of course, when the programme started, women were not considered. But under my leadership as a PAP administrator, women will be carried along.” He emphasized that focusing on women is crucial for building robust homes and communities.
During his address, Otuaro shared some of the accomplishments achieved during his tenure. “About 780 women have been sent to school. 1,389 women trained, and about 1,000 women have been empowered,” he reported. He further affirmed, “I have said it earlier; you are critical to peace and stability in the Niger Delta region, because when there is peace, you are the first casualties.”
The PAP administrator expressed his commitment to working alongside women to foster peace and development, saying, “I have come to brainstorm with you to make your home robust. The women should be empowered so they can contribute meaningfully to the home.”
Activist Ms. Ankio Briggs also addressed the gathering, commending Otuaro for engaging women in this important dialogue. “We have been on this for very long. From Camp 5 to the Amnesty era and Avengers. I have always stood before our people because they’re on a cause,” she stated.
She highlighted the need for women who made significant sacrifices during the conflict to be included in the PAP. “Many of our sons who bore arms died, but others survived; the PAP administrator and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, were among the survivors and it was a rare divine privilege.”
Briggs emphasized that the peace process cannot overlook the contributions of women. “We accepted the amnesty programme not because we are lazy, not because we’re being exhausted. But we accepted the PAP programme to strengthen peace in the country,” she asserted. She urged the government to recognize that “the peace process can’t be completed without women.”
High Chief Vero Tangbowei, the National woman leader of Gbaramatu Kingdom, expressed her gratitude to Otuaro for recognizing women as critical stakeholders in the peace-building process. “Thank you for the timely engagement of women,” she said, highlighting their importance in fostering peace in the Niger Delta.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring women’s continued involvement in peacebuilding efforts and the development of the Niger Delta, marking a significant step towards a more inclusive approach in the region’s ongoing initiatives.
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