Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), has sought the partnership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to advance development efforts in the Niger Delta region, aligning with the principles outlined in the Willinks Commission of 1957.

During a courtesy visit to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the PAP Administrator, in Abuja on Monday, Prince Amgbare emphasized the significance of the Authority in the Niger Delta. He highlighted that the NDBDA was established as a specialized entity to catalyze development across the Niger Delta Basin.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Isaac Ombe, Prince Amgbare recalled that despite its inception, the NDBDA faced challenges in achieving its objectives, leading to the establishment of various other agencies to address regional concerns.

Additionally, Prince Amgbare mentioned that another purpose of his visit was to seek PAP’s support for the Authority’s food security campaigns.

“My visit is primarily to forge synergy with the PAP office to drive the meaningful economic development of the region in line with the vision of the Willinks Commission of 1957.

“The Niger Delta Basin Development Authority was conceived as a special purpose vehicle to drive development in the Niger Delta Basin.

“However, when it failed to achieve its goals, agitation in the region heightened giving birth to other interventionist agencies like the Directorate of Food Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI), Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the latest being the Presidential Amnesty Programme ( PAP).

“My mission to PAP is to seek your cooperation to drive home the “Food Security Is The Real Security” campaign of the NDBDA”, Amgbare added.

In response to Prince Ebitimi Amgbare’s solicitation, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), reiterated the program’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the Niger Delta people through comprehensive development strategies. He emphasized agriculture as a pivotal avenue for enhancing both human and national security.

Dr. Otuaro revealed that the PAP office is actively planning to expand its initiatives, including scholarship programs tailored for non-arms bearers, particularly women seeking to acquire vocational skills. These efforts aim to foster sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.

Furthermore, Dr. Otuaro assured Prince Amgbare of the PAP’s readiness to collaborate on addressing the recurring challenges posed by flooding and its related impacts in the region.

He praised Prince Amgbare for his commendable track record and unwavering commitment to Niger Delta development. Dr. Otuaro expressed confidence that both agencies would work harmoniously to advance President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across the region.