Former Militant, Boyloaf, Becomes Presidential Envoy

The former militant now travels overseas inspecting training facilities on behalf of the Federal Government

For agreeing to drop his arms and join the amnesty programme of the Federal Government, Ebikabowei Victor Ben, aka Boyloaf, has become a Presidential envoy embarking on international inspection visits on behalf of the Federal Government.

As part of his visits, Boyloaf recently led a delegation to Rotterdam to inspect proposed venues for the training of former militants.

According to African Energy Intelligence, Boyloaf arrived in Rotterdam late January and has already visited Albelda College where government plans to train dozens of militants.

The training programme is part of the amnesty programme put in place by the Federal Government.

The programme, which began in 2009 under late President Umaru Yar’Adua allows for the training of former militants in the Niger Delta in various crafts relevant to the oil and gas industry.

The amnesty program is at present being coordinated by Kingsley Kuku, the special assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta affairs.

It is unclear why Boyloaf, who has no known professional qualifications, is leading presidential delegations on such visits; but sources say this is not the first time Mr. Ebikabowei would embark on such trip.

As a leader of a federal government delegation, not only does Boyloaf get estacodes and first class hotel reservations, he is also entitled to aides who accompany him on such trips.