Mohammed Oluwatimileyin Taoheed reports,
Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has called on the young ones in the Niger Delta to explore opportunities in palm oil business, claiming it as the first economic tool of the region.
The Administrator made the call in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, at a workshop organized by a group of ex-agitators working for sustained peace with theme entitled: ‘Niger Delta, a New Market to Explore’.
Going back on the memory lane, he said that the region was at its cradle known historically for palm oil business, adding that it was still selling more than oil and gas globally.
In his keynote remark, Dikio told the youths and groups to create the Niger Delta of their dreams, insisting that building a better region was their sole responsibility.
According to him: “There is need for you to look inwards, develop your skills and improve yourselves to take advantage of the numerous opportunities around you.
“Niger Delta is blessed with immense natural resources beyond oil and gas. There is market for every good business idea. The Niger Delta is too rich for its citizens to be poor.
“There are other sectors and markets to explore. Before the discovery of oil and gas, the region was notable for the palm oil business which today sells more than oil and gas.”
The Amnesty lead also urged the youths to tap from the expertise and skills of others by forming collaborative partnerships and leveraging on experiences of mentors and role models.
He added: “It starts first by developing the right attitude and imbibing the correct values. Every youth in the region needs and should get a personal vision of themselves and then determine to work with others to achieve it. If there is no challenge there is no success.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Terry Bagia, who was one of the speakers at the workshop, added that there was need for strategic partnership in the region and advised the youths to work at close lanes to ensure the right synergy.
While giving his speech on conflict resolution and peace building, one of the conveners, Nature Dumale Kieghe, gave an account of his personal experience of his transformation from riot to peace building.
