Twenty-eight out of the 100 ex-Niger Delta militants
registered for training at the National Energy Skills Centre in Trinidad
and Tobago were reportedly deported for offences against “national
interest” while 15 dropped on health grounds, it was revealed on
Thursday.
However, 57 who participated in the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme graduated on Wednesday.
Out of the number, 10 were awarded scholarships for
their master’s degrees at the Caribbean University for their exemplary
performance. The awards were said to be the first since the
establishment of the institution 64 years ago.
The Federal Government was said to have expended over
$6m on the programme with the ex-militants training in Automotive
Service Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Operations and Millwright and
Shielded Metal Arc Wielding.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who was excited by the
development, said it was his desire that Nigeria should be handed over
to youths, who are committed and have the requisite training.
Jonathan spoke in Trinidad & Tobago as he concluded his two-day visit to the country.
Such youths, he added, should be properly equipped to work towards placing the nation among leading countries in the world.
Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister, Kamla
Persad-Bissessar, said his country was delighted to be part of the
success story of the amnesty programme.
He said, “On Wednesday, the National Energy Skills
Centre held a graduation ceremony for its first group of trainees from
the programme who are now certified in the areas of Automotive Service
Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Operations and Millwright and Shielded
Metal Arc Wielding.
“I am confident that the 57 graduates will utilise the skills
acquired to enhance the human capital of the Niger Delta. I am informed
that another group of approximately 80 trainees are expected to arrive
in Trinidad & Tobago and that discussions are underway for the
implementation of a similar training model in Nigeria.”via Punch
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