Leaders of the ex-agitators community in the Niger Delta have commended the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Colonel Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd) for organising the Basic Orientation Course (BOC) for the novel Train, Employ and Mentor (TEM) scheme.
The BOC programme, which will last for three days, commenced on Wednesday at the Nigerian Navy College of Engineering in Sapele, Delta State.
The leaders under the first phase of the PAP, said it’s a dream come true and a fulfilment of the promise made by Dikio upon his assumption of office.
Speaking at a news conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the National Secretary of the first phase ex-agitators, Pastor Nature Dumale Kieghe, applauded Dikio for his vision of creating wealth for people of the region, particularly the youths.
Kieghe, who was flanked by first phase PAP coordinators in the nine Niger Delta states, expressed optimism that a new dawn has come for the region with the massive job opportunities expected after the training.
He said, “This is historic for us and we are very excited about it. The training, which is targeted at the 8,000 untrained ex-agitators, will at the end, provide massive job opportunities and in the process create wealth for our youths.
“We have been waiting for this moment. We recall that when Colonel Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd) came on board, he promised us a new kind of training and told us about Train, Employ and Mentor (TEM). Most people didn’t believe then, but today he has made it a reality with the Basic Orientation Course.
“All round the region deployment of our boys is ongoing. Some for Agriculture, Maritime transportation and security, oil and gas, among others. It is indeed heartwarming.”
Kieghe, who is also the chairman of the Strategic Communications Committee (STRACOM) of the PAP, however expressed concern over the apathy displayed by some delegates to the training, saying if they miss the opportunity they would forever live in regret.
According to him, “The narrative must change. The PAP perception must change. People must see the benefit for once. People must see the value of the PAP. So, I charge our youths to take full advantage of this opportunity. It is a unique and golden opportunity.
“We have been informed that even after sending them several messages to make themselves available for the three-day orientation programme, some of our boys have ignored it on account of flimsy excuses. A very wrong move and we are not happy about that.
“Same people who have been shouting that they want to be trained, putting pressure on the Interim Administrator; now it is here. We appeal to them to, please, resist the devil prompting them to stay away.”