Date Published: 07/07/10

Ex-militants for seafaring training in Norway

Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Timi Alaibe has disclosed that some of the former militants now undergoing rehabilitation training programme in Obubra, Cross River State, would be sent to Norway to undergo Seafarer training .

Mr. Alaibe, who advised the men to use the opportunity offered by the training to reintegrate into the society, said the federal government was determined to provide them with useful skills.

"I want you to understand that, with this programme, the federal government has given you, and indeed the people of the Niger Delta, an opportunity to change your lives," he said. "Those who could not make this batch will be accommodated in subsequent batches. You will have an opportunity to undergo a Seafarer training in Norway after this. This programme also offers you a four-year university scholarship, after which you are assured of a job. While you are here, we will give you some allowances."

He warned the trainees against unruly behaviour and politicking in camp, saying he was at the camp to encourage them.

"All these are being packaged today for your benefit. After this, you will get to the next level. I see tomorrow's leaders in this class. We want you to‘change style' now, use your head and brain to get what you want. I am here in this camp to plead with you to take this as an opportunity to realise your dreams," Mr. Alaibe said.

"I understand that some of you had been unruly. Please, you have an opportunity to change. We are not doing politics here. We will throw those with political dimensions out of this camp. If you do anything against amnesty, we will disamnesty you! But I am going to address all your complaints. We will carry our destiny in our hands," he said.