While unveiling his plans for the Ex-agitators, he said he would focus on wealth creation, leveraging on partnerships that would have positive effects on the economy of the Niger Delta and the country.
Dikio said having laid the foundation in his first one year with his vision, the time for action had come to produce the desired result for the benefit of all.
Speaking at meetings with leaders of first and third phases of the PAP in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he said his quest to leave a strong legacy was driven by his passion for the development of the region.
The amnesty boss, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Nneotaobase Egbe, encouraged the ex-agitators to strive to see the economic opportunities around them.
He said: “Within the short time I have, we will change things for the better. This is why we have changed the model of training that you get to the Train-Employ-Mentor model. The kind of training that will make you self-sufficient and qualify to have a job that you will be paid far above N65,000. Training that will bring more value to you.”
The PAP boss said that there were plans for a summit in Warri, Delta State where the delegates would be taught how to grow and manage businesses, and also highlight the opportunities in the city and the region.
He said Niger Delta remained the richest place in the country not because of oil and gas, but because of its natural endowment such as human capital, farm produce and fisheries, domiciled across the region and waiting to be explored by willing hands.
Dikio said: “We have to be competitive in the water business and take advantage of the blue economy. Niger Delta is blessed with a lot of opportunities and we need to take charge.
“We are organising a summit in Warri soon. Warri used to be the oil city with lots of activities, but now it has become like a ghost town. We want to highlight what the city has, its economic
importance and also for entrepreneurial purpose. We have to do everything possible to bring back businesses to the region.
“I keep saying this that if you are not providing service, you can’t be rich. Once you have what you are offering and when you are able to take care of yourself, nobody can insult you.”
The leader of the first phase ex-agitators and National President of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), Pastor Reuben Wilson, thanked Dikio for restoring their confidence to the PAP.
He said in the past, the programme was managed like a personal estate with the beneficiaries shortchanged, while others became billionaires, but with the coming of Dikio “we now have hope because of the new vision.”
The National Chairman and Secretary of the third phase, Tonye Bobo and Elaye Slaboh, said in the last one year they had not embarked on any form of protest because of what Dikio had done to change their mindset.
They said in the past, street protests were regular for them, but they didn’t know that it was de-marketing the region and driving away businesses.
The leaders made a number of requests, including leadership training and empowerment, education and vocational training and setting up liaison office in Bayelsa.