The Federal Government has unveiled plans to technically empower 2,500 beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in fishing in fulfillment of the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

A statement issued by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator, Amnesty Programme, Prof. Charles Dokubo, indicated that 100 fishing trawlers would be built in Burutu, Delta State, for the training of 2,000 of the beneficiaries.

To actualize the objectives of the proposed programme, Dokubo stated that an implementation committee, comprising five subcommittees for the project under a National Development Programme through Industrial Fishing and Associated Seafood Production, had been inaugurated.

The Special Adviser expressed optimism that the capacity building programme for the beneficies would open a vista of opportunities for them, especially those interested in seafaring and fishing.

Dokubo stated further the project was in fulfilment of government’s vision to drive the reintegration component of the programme in such a way that it would positively impact on beneficiaries and communities in the Niger Delta.

He clarified: “When this concept was brought to me, about the availability of training, retraining and employing our delegates, it was time-specific and fitted into what I’m doing for the Amnesty Programme.

“I am really overjoyed, and I believe that the commitment of this meeting today will move this concept forward”, Dokubo added.

According to him, the project, which is driven under a public-private partnership, has the Presidential Amnesty Office, Concept Amadeus Limited, Akewa Global Services Limited and four Greek companies as partners.

The foreign partners include Fintrilis S.A, Tel of Western Greece, Kreta Mare, and Theoman Limited.