The Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Youth Development, Hon. Godknows Angele, has advised the executive members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Delta State Council, to remain focused and committed to advancing the interests of young people across the state.
Angele gave the advice when he received the NYCN executive on a courtesy visit to his office in Asaba.
The Commissioner urged the youth leaders to maintain unity, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that the council has a vital role to play in promoting youth development and serving as a bridge between government and the younger generation.
He assured the delegation that the Delta State Government, under the leadership of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, remains committed to youth empowerment and will continue to support programmes and initiatives that improve the lives of young people.
Angele encouraged the council to work closely with the Ministry of Housing and Youth Development to ensure that government policies and programmes reach youths at the grassroots.
He also called on the NYCN leadership to continue championing initiatives that promote skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, leadership development and peaceful coexistence among youths across the state.
The Commissioner reiterated that his office remains open to constructive engagement and collaboration with the council, assuring them that the ministry would partner with the NYCN in implementing programmes that would create more opportunities for Delta youths.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Delta State Council, Comrade Sagboje Odiri Milton, called on the state government to strengthen youth development through improved policies, institutional support, and empowerment programmes.
Milton appealed for the development of a comprehensive Delta State Youth Policy and the enactment of a law establishing a clear legal framework for the State Youth Council.
He also urged the government to construct a permanent Delta State Youth House and Youth Resource Development Centre to serve as a hub for youth administration, leadership training, digital learning, and development activities.
The NYCN Chairman further demanded the payment of outstanding subventions owed to affiliated voluntary and uniformed youth organisations, a review of the current annual subvention, and the introduction of a monthly operational subvention to enable the Council effectively coordinate its activities across the state’s 25 local government areas.
Milton also requested the provision of an operational vehicle, preferably a Coaster bus, to improve the Council’s mobility and monitoring of programmes statewide.
In addition, he appealed for targeted empowerment programmes for skilled youths by providing start-up tools and equipment, noting that many trained young people lack the resources to establish businesses.
He also proposed the establishment of a Delta State Youth Leadership Development Institute to groom future leaders and called on the government to make greater use of the NYCN’s grassroots structure of over 2,000 executives across 25 local government areas and 270 wards for youth mobilisation, public enlightenment, peacebuilding, and communication of government programmes.
While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his administration’s investments in infrastructure, youth inclusion, employment initiatives, and human capital development, Milton reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting the state’s M.O.R.E. Agenda and partnering with the government to advance youth development in Delta State.
He assured the Commissioner of the council’s readiness to work with the ministry in advancing programmes that would positively impact young people across the state.
