FG Sends  another batch of  449 ex militants  
overseas for training

By Emeka Okoh   Newsdiaryonline   Thur Aug 4,2011

The Federal Government’s  Post Amnesty programme has received a boost as another batch of  449 

 ex- militants from  Niger Delta region were sent abroad for vocational training and university education

 in South Africa, United Arab Emirates , Malaysia And India.They are to undergo training   in many 

areas ranging from pilots training, under sea welding, crane operations deep sea diving auto mechanics

 as well as electrical installation and electronic maintenance.

This batch of 449 is the single largest group of ex- militants that will be sent abroad for training to fill the

 vacuum of professionals required in the oil and gas sector that is dominated by expatriates.

The batch going to several countries brings 1,356, the number of ex- militants that have been send 

abroad to different countries for several skills acquisition programme in  marine related areas ranging

 from deep ocean diving, crane operations, welding, boat making,  and other fields that

will enhance local content in personnel in the oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the event, the special adviser to the president on Niger Delta matters, Hon Kingsley Kuku 

described this as one of the  best things to happen to the Niger Delta region, insisting that the amnesty 

office is going ahead to negotiate job placement for the ex- militants after the completion of their programme.

About 178 of the ex - militants  will be under going training in welding and crane operations in South Africa,

 12 are for pilots training,in South Africa, while another 25 are undergoing diving and underwater welding in

 India, whereas, 14 will be going to Dubai for educational training.

The others in a batch of 50 each will be trained in both South Africa and Malaysia in fields related to

 welding and crane operations, electrical installation and maintenance as well as auto mechanical engineering.

He explained that the Federal Government remains committed to the success of the post amnesty

 programme such that youths of the region will be enhanced for skills acquisition and education such

 that they could take their destiny into their own hands by toeing the path of non - violence for the 

overall development of the country.

Kuku urged the ex militants to exhibit good conduct that will not affect the image of Nigeria, as the way 

and manner they conduct themselves abroad is key to the success of the amnesty programme.

He spoke of plans to give medical treatment in India to some of the ex- militants who need to be very

 fit medically to enable them benefit from the amnesty programme.Kuku further urged the ex- militants

 not to disappoint President Jonathan for the confidence he repose in them, as he is committed to 

ensuring the success of the programme.

Also speaking as special guest for the youths sent abroad, one of the ex- militant leader, Dr Ebikabowei 

Victor Ben, otherwise known as BOYLOAF, described the post amnesty programme as the last opportunity 

for the ex-militants to key into the programme of the Federal Government to bring last peace to the Niger Delta

 region as well as correct the expatriate quota in the oil and gas  companies that operate in the Niger Delta region.

He said : "  This amnesty programme is the last opportunity for you all to make your life meaning full  to achieve 

what I will call  life line empowerment, a sent chance  and it is up to you to make the best use of this opportunity.

 This is once in a life opportunity , the days of armed struggle in the creeks  and camps  are over  and the 

opportunities   created  from the struggle  is what you are all about to experience by the foreign training put

 together by the Federal Government.

“When the Federal Government declared amnesty back in the days of the struggle, I was the first person to

open accept the amnesty offer, and by doing so, I was mindful of the fact that as a leader I needed to show 

courage and the direction for others to follow.

“I am indeed convinced that the future of the Niger Delta cannot be achieved by continuous armed struggle. 

The benefit of this decision is what you are about to experience.. I want to urge you all not to bring disgrace

 and shame to the amnesty programme. If you are tired, you can opt out and come back home in honour , rather 

than committing offences of high criminal proportion in their host country."

He urged them to be of good behaviour affirming that the days of protesting over mundane matters are over.

" You will be personally liable for your actions. The way and manner you comport yourselves  individually  is very 

key to the overall success of the amnesty programme. You will have succeeded in blocking the road for others 

coming behind  you and eroded the gains of the amnesty programme.

Also speaking, Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana urged them to take the training seriously to take over the oil and gas

 sector of the economy that is dominated by personnel not from the Niger Delta region.

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