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.”