– The federal government of Nigeria said it is set to integrate all Niger Delta ex-militants into agriculture
– FG said Agriculture-based amnesty programme is is line with government’s aim towards a diversified economy
– The government also said scarcity of funds due to the recent economic recession has delayed the smooth execution of the programme so far
Some farmer in their farm
The federal government of Nigeria said it is set to integrate all Niger Delta ex-militants into agriculture.
Speaking at interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Friday, September 2, the coordinator of the presidential amnesty programme Paul Boroh said 13,639 ex-militants yet to be reintegrated into the system will be trained in agriculture.
Boroh said: “The focus for now is in line with the government’s alternative to oil which is Agriculture.”
He said the amnesty programme will focus on agriculture as an alternative to engaging the former militants.
“In that wise, we have visited the several offices across the country with the aim of capturing about 10,000 ex-agitators that will be trained not in just Agric but in modern scientific method of Agriculture. The focus in Agriculture does not mean that other sectors of the economy are jettisoned.” Boroh added.
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He also said two groups at the instance of the federal government are in talks to effectively resolve the resource based conflicts in the Niger Delta region.
He also called on governors to run an “all-inclusive” government which will allow militants in various states to make productive contributions.
“Involve these boys (militants) in your day-to-day activities, give them tasks for they are members of the state; ensure that they are part of the development of the state by giving them responsibility.
“That is the best. It behoves the governors to use the militants for the growth and development of the state,” Boroh said.
Further, the coordinator of the programme said, scarcity of funds following the recent economic recession has delayed the smooth execution of the programme.
“There have been issues along the line that have to do with delay in payment. It is again due to the obvious economic situation in the country. The Amnesty Programme is not different from the entire structure of Nigeria.
“So the delay of stipends is also created by the inadequate economic situation in the country. The programme is on course and it has helped in dousing the security situation in Niger Delta,” he said.
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