FG partners states to provide farmland for ex-agitators

Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd.), Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty programme, says the Federal Government is partnering with states in the Niger Delta region to provide land for ex-agitators for agricultural purposes.

Boroh, who is also the special adviser to the President on Niger-Delta Affairs, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

The coordinator said since the the Federal Government has taken over Maritime University, Amnesty Programme was willing to engage the ex-agitators in other meaningful ways that would add value to the country.

He told NAN that the Niger Delta states should be involved in the reintegration of ex-agitators within their states by providing them with land for agricultural training and empowerment.

The adviser said that the ex-agitators would also be involved in the provision of security for pipelines and the water ways.

According to him, state governments should also not only be involved in physical projects but reorientation of their youths from negative vices.

In addition, he called on state government to create skill acquisition centres across local government areas where youths can learn different skills to make them self-reliant and self-employed.

The presidential aide urged state governments to provide soft loans and other facilities toward empowering these youths.

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Boroh added that by so doing, no person would be a willing tool to be exploited by undesirable elements for their selfish agenda, when opportunities are available for them to explore.

NAN recalls that the coordinator said the amnesty programme had not only succeeded in helping to stabilize the region, but had also worked in synergy with all government agencies.

He listed the agencies as Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Local Content Board, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Ministries of Niger Delta Niger Affairs, Agriculture and Environment.