The Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Brave Oyinkro Enodeh has urged young people in the state to shun cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, political thuggery and other destructive behaviours, stressing the need for youths to embrace skills acquisition, innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible citizenship.
The Commissioner made the call during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, on Thursday, October 8, with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
He said young people, despite their different backgrounds, cultures, economic circumstances and social environments, shared common aspirations for quality education, decent employment, economic opportunities, peace, security, inclusion and a meaningful role in shaping society.
According to him, the theme underscores the need to recognise the common dreams of young people and develop inclusive policies and programmes that address their needs, irrespective of their circumstances.
He stressed that young people should not be regarded merely as leaders of tomorrow but as partners and leaders in the present, adding that government must create an enabling environment for them to contribute meaningfully to development.
He said the Delta State Government remained committed to creating opportunities that would enable young people to become productive, self-reliant and responsible citizens.
According to him, the Ministry of Youth Development would continue to collaborate with relevant ministries, departments and agencies, the private sector, development partners, civil society organisations and youth groups to implement programmes that respond to the needs of young people. He identified skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, employability, leadership development, digital literacy, innovation and social inclusion as key areas of focus.
The Commissioner also encouraged young people to look beyond the pursuit of white-collar jobs by exploring opportunities in entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, creative industries and other emerging sectors of the economy.
He maintained that youth development policies and programmes must be inclusive and accessible to all categories of young people, including those in rural communities, persons with disabilities, students, apprentices, farmers, artists and young entrepreneurs.
“No young person should be left behind,” he emphasised, calling for deliberate efforts to ensure that opportunities reach youths regardless of their location, gender, social background, educational status or physical condition.
Addressing the youths, the Commissioner urged them to acquire relevant skills, embrace technology, cultivate positive attitudes and remain committed to continuous learning in a rapidly changing world.
He noted that young people who would succeed in the future must be prepared to adapt, innovate and develop solutions to the challenges confronting their communities.
Enodeh further called on youths to promote peace, tolerance, hard work, integrity, patriotism and responsible citizenship, rather than engage in activities capable of undermining their future.
The Commissioner said society needed young people who could create businesses rather than depend solely on paid employment, use technology to generate opportunities, identify problems and develop solutions, as well as provide responsible leadership.
He, however, noted that youth development was a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of parents, schools, traditional institutions, religious organisations, private-sector players, civil society groups, development partners and the youths themselves.
Enodeh called on stakeholders to create an environment where young people could express themselves, develop their talents, participate in decision-making and contribute to community development.
Reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to youth development, the Commissioner said the aspirations of young people across different communities remained connected by their desire for opportunities, recognition, inclusion and a better future.
He assured the youths that their ideas and contributions were important to building a stronger Delta State, urging them to work together with confidence, creativity, courage and determination.
He concluded that differences in background and circumstances should be transformed into strengths, while challenges should become opportunities for growth and development.
Also speaking, the former Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. ThankGod Trakiriowei, urged youths to rise above their backgrounds and present circumstances by embracing skills acquisition, innovation, digital technology and entrepreneurship. He noted that although young people across the state face different challenges, they share common aspirations for opportunities, dignity, economic independence, peace and inclusion.
He emphasised that opportunities in today’s world are no longer limited by geographical boundaries, urging youths to prepare themselves through education, financial intelligence, effective communication, meaningful networking and problem-solving skills. He also called for a shift from dependence on government employment to entrepreneurship, farming, vocational skills and business creation.
Trakiriowei expressed concern over the loss of young lives to drug abuse and negative peer influence, advocating sustained efforts to combat substance abuse and rehabilitate affected youths.
He further urged young people to promote unity across ethnic, religious and political divides, stressing that they are active contributors to the development of Delta State today, not merely leaders of tomorrow. He encouraged them to pursue their ambitions with available resources and work in partnership with government and other stakeholders to build a better future for the state.
He concluded by challenging youths to look beyond what the future could offer them and consider what they were prepared to contribute to its development.
On his part the Director General of Orientation Bureau, Hon. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe urged the youths to embrace innovation, creativity and forward-thinking ideas that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to governance, community development and the political future of the state. He said International Youth Day should go beyond celebrations, entertainment and the sharing of stipends, stressing that it should provide an opportunity for young people to develop practical solutions to societal challenges.
He challenged youths to ask themselves what new ideas they could bring to the table to improve the lives of young people, transform politics and earn a place in leadership and decision-making positions. Citing examples of young innovators and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s early leadership experience, he emphasised that age should not be a barrier to achievement.
Oghenesivbe also encouraged youths to use their creative talents in music, writing, video production and social media to communicate ideas and participate meaningfully in the political process ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged them to develop constructive proposals and present them to the relevant authorities rather than relying solely on political loyalty, while expressing confidence in the state government’s plans for youth development.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Emmanuel Emuakpeje while congratulating the youths advised them to be of good conduct.
The event featured lectures, symposium on the theme of the event and goodwill messages.
