Contrary to insinuations in some quarters that the Presidential Amnesty Programme has been a conduit pipe for some leaders in the Niger Delta region, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has said the programme has created enabling environment for legitimate initiatives to thrive in the region.
Consequently, the NYCN attributes the relative peace existing in the region to the success of the Amnesty Programme, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other interventions of the federal government.
A statement signed by NYCN President, Solomon Adodo and made available to journalists in Abuja, Wednesday, explained that the Amnesty Programme under its interim administrator, Col. Milland Dixion Dikio (rtd) has become a beautiful bride with alluring testimonies to its successes.
The statement explained that the quality and quantity of trainings sponsored by the Amnesty Programme has produced several decent sources of livelihood for the teaming youth in the region.
“Our recent tour and engagement with various youth groups in the region has given us a firsthand knowledge of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The quality of trainings offered by the Amnesty Programme has given way to new ideas in intellectual space, driven by science and technology to advance speedy development and growth of the people.
“As the umbrella body of youth organisations, we are thrilled by the exemplary leadership of Col. Milland Dixion Dikio who has demonstrated thorough understanding of the purpose for the establishment of the Amnesty Programme,” the statement noted.
The NYCN while urging the youth undergoing various trainings to take adequate advantage of it to better their lots and be good ambassadors of the country, lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for prioritising the welfare and development of the people of the region.
“We are glad that as the trainings and other empowerment initiatives continue, more youths are realising that the criminality does not pay but indeed there is dignity in labour. The NYCN can confidently declare that the era of violence and armed struggle in the Niger Delta region has finally gone.
“In line with the resolve of the leadership of NYCN to support initiatives that promote economic and social spheres of life, we shall partner with the amnesty programme to take the trainings to other regions of the country,” statement said.
