100 Niger Delta Militants Graduate From Non-Violence Programme

Thanks to the Pace e Bene Nonviolence News service referring me to this story!

-Matt

100 Niger Delta Militants Graduate From Non-Violence Programme

AllAfrica.com
November 6, 2006  

NIGERIA - In a bid to rid the Niger Delta region of violence and youth restivessness, over a hundred youths selected from the creeks in the region graduated from the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN)'s 5th Non-Violence and Transformation programme held at Eko Tourist Resort Akodo weekend in Lagos.

Mr. Allen Enyema, Chairman of the foundation commended the youths for their participation in the programme as he enjoined them to utilise all they have learnt at the programme to impact positively as change agents in their different groups and communities in the Niger Delta region.

He also expressed his gratitude to Governor Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom State for single-handedly sponsoring over a hundred youths for the programme as he urges other states governors, not just South states because according to him "if all the 36 governors can sponsor at least 100 youths to such programme then we are talking of building a better future for our Nigerian youths and ridding our country of all other ethno-religious violence in every nook and cranny of the country.

At the flagging off of the programme, Governor Attah stated that employment and other good things of life could only come in a peaceful environment, saying it was possible to stop militancy in the Niger Delta and that it is not good to label the youths militants since they could be trained and counselled to lead responsible lives.

Attah, who has been disturbed by the rising tide of insecurity and restiveness in the region, decided to undertake the largest single sponsorship of youths of the region to the programme since its inception.