The World Assembly of Youths (WAY) has applauded the gallantry and patriotism of Esan Youths who confronted fleeing armed robbers and returned the money stolen from a bank in Edo.

WAY noted that the heroism exhibited by the youths was a testimony that the youths of the Niger Delta are disposed to peace and nation building.

The youth body equally saluted the commitments of the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP), Col. Milland Dikio (Rtd) over the recent peace summit across Niger Delta, adding that the summit was timely.

WAY made the position known On Sunday in statement signed by its Vice President, Preye Ketebu-Brown availed in Yenagoa.

Ketebu-Brown said the group viewed the peaceful disposition of Niger Delta youths despite dire economic conditions as exemplary and very welcome especially in these trying times when the nation is confronted by security challenges.

According to the statement, the recent peace summit by the PAP boss was not only timely but indicative of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to the welfare of PAP beneficiaries in the Niger Delta Region.

The global youth body said that such proactive initiatives are vital and absolutely necessary if the fragile peace in the hub of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry must be maintained.

"Similar initiatives should be considered for other conflict areas in Nigeria and indeed the ECOWAS Sub-Region.

"With the war in Ukraine resulting in soaring crude oil prices, Nigeria cannot afford to risk any conflict or disruption in the Oil producing Niger Delta region.

"Worried about the rising trend of conflicts across the World, WAY sees the peaceful disposition of Niger Delta youths despite dire economic situation as exemplary and very welcome attitude that should be emulated.

"We have particularly noted the dexterity of Col. Milland Dikio (Rtd.) in the management of the thousands of youths under the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP).

"The Interim Administrator’s direct engagement and roundtable diplomacy seems to be doing the magic and converting beneficiaries of the PAP to better citizens and valuable stakeholders in sustaining community peace and development.

"Despite the crackdown on illegal refining activities which has left thousands of local youths without a ‘source of livelihood’; and the upsurge of violence in some Niger Delta States in the South East; Niger Delta youths have continued to remain understanding and very cooperative under the management of the Col. Milland Dikio Rtd. led Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP).

"The recent patriotic actions of Ubiaja Youths of Edo State who gallantly halted fleeing armed robbers and returned looted money are a testimony that the youths of the Niger Delta are self-disposed to peace and nation building.

"The World Assembly of Youth (WAY) views Nigeria’s youth as the Country’s most valuable asset, hence all stakeholders must spare no effort at meeting their socio-economic needs always." WAY stated.

Update news