The National Woman Leader of the 10th Executive Council of Ijaw Youth Council, Ebi Kutu Ayibakuro, has called for an increase in the number of women and girls benefiting from the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), especially those in the riverine and creek communities of the Niger Delta.

She disclosed that the call has become imperative considering the vital roles women play in the development and stability of the Ijaw nation.

Speaking at the weekend when the 10th National Executive Council (NEC) of IYC paid a familiarization visit to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, at Abuja, the national women leader, also commended Dr. Otuaro for his commitment to female inclusion within the programme.

She particularly appreciated his open-door policy and willingness to embrace partnerships capable of advancing the interests of the people of the Niger Delta.

“A trained girl marks the foundation of a great nation. Therefore, sir, we need more of our women to acquire formal education and exposure so that the Ijaw nation can lead the map of our country when it comes to female education.” She said.

The delegation, led by the IYC President, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, alongside other members of the National Executive Council, visited the PAP Administrator to familiarize themselves with his administration and discuss issues of mutual interest concerning the progress and development of the Ijaw nation.

The meeting also focused on critical areas through which Ijaw youths can continue to benefit from and actively participate in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The IYC leadership commended Dr. Otuaro for what it described as his giant strides, particularly in the areas of education, youth empowerment and the effective coordination of the PAP office in line with the objectives for which the programme was established.

The council noted that the Presidential Amnesty Programme has contributed significantly to transforming the lives of youths in the Niger Delta by providing alternatives to arms carrying, promoting education, civic responsibility, skills acquisition and sustainable empowerment.

According to the council, these interventions have continued to create opportunities for Ijaw youths and other beneficiaries across the Niger Delta to compete favourably with their counterparts in other parts of the country.

The visit further underscored the need for sustained collaboration between the IYC and the Presidential Amnesty Programme in advancing education, empowerment, inclusion and sustainable development for youths and women across the Niger Delta.

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