Boro Day: Otuaro calls for peace, unity and expanded inclusion in Amnesty Programme

As the Ijaw Nation marked Boro Day on Thursday, the Sole Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dennis Otuaro, called on Niger Delta youths to embrace peace, unity, and collective vigilance for the future of the region.

Speaking at a gathering to commemorate the legacy of late Ijaw freedom fighter, Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, Otuaro emphasized the importance of using intellectual engagement and governance participation as tools for advancing the struggle for resource control.

"Today, we are not just remembering Boro as a hero of the past, we are celebrating him as a father of the Ijaw nation whose spirit is alive with us. He laid the foundation for our fight for justice. Our elders fought differently, but today, we must channel our struggle through intellect, unity, and peace," Otuaro said.

Representing the federal government, Otuaro conveyed goodwill messages from President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and stakeholders in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, assuring that the programme would be more inclusive going forward.

"Peace in our communities brings peace to our region. My appeal to our youth, kingdoms and clans is to uphold this peace. We must love one another, and even love our neighbours. Let us be vigilant, united, and committed to sustaining the calm we have," he urged.

Reflecting on the progress made within his first year in office, Otuaro disclosed plans to broaden the scope of the Amnesty Programme to reach more beneficiaries.

“We currently have 30,000 people captured in the database, but this is not just about numbers. I am a product of the Niger Delta struggle, and I understand what this means for our people, our women, our mothers, and our children. The goal is to ensure no one is left out,” he noted.

Addressing critics and what he described as attempts at blackmail, Otuaro made it clear that the Amnesty Programme under his leadership would not be hijacked by personal interests.

"This programme is not for a few greedy individuals. It belongs to the people. I’m focused on my mandate, and I won't be distracted by those who feel entitled. Everyone must be carried along in line with the purpose of the programme," he stated.