FG injects N1.5b into N’Delta ex-agitators’ cooperative scheme

Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), yesterday, announced provision of N1.5 billion to support cooperative scheme for ex-agitators in the Niger Delta.

The programme, targeted at about 30,000 ex-agitators in the region, is aimed at ensuring self-sufficiency of militants and reduce their dependence on the N65, 000 monthly stipend.

PAP’s Interim Administrator, Major General Barry Ndiomu, during the launch of PAP Cooperative Society limited (PAPCOSOL), yesterday, in Abuja, revealed that PAP has deposited N1.5 billion at Providus Bank for takeoff of the scheme, intending to provide N500 million monthly to support the programme.

He said the scheme is targeted at ex-agitators, saying the programme would expand to impacted communities, and that the scheme will also benefit several people across the region, as funds increase.

Ndiomu said: “The whole essence is to discourage reliance on monthly stipends, which has created the culture of indolence, and is not in our best interest; so we have decided we should teach them how to fish rather than give them fish.”

He stated that the aim was to provide alternative economic development scheme, designed to create a more viable means of livelihood for ex-agitators with socio-economic development of their communities, as well as the region, in general.

PAP’s administrator revealed that the cooperative scheme will be managed by ex-agitators and closely supervised by the PAP office through its consultants, adding that the programme will be managed and monitored by an advisory board headed by a justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Francis Tabai.

He explained that the cooperative is expected to work with beneficiaries of PAP to identify businesses that align with skill areas, set up and turn the process into a profitable venture.

He added that technical and business development support would be provided to beneficiaries to enable them own and run viable business ventures that will meet essential needs, create employment and boost economic growth in the region.

Ndiomu stated that they are targeting rice production, as PAP has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with communities for development of rice farms, adding that they are in discussion with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

He revealed that it is hoped that the N65, 000 monthly stipends will gradually phase out by the time ex-agitators become entrepreneurs.