Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, has urged Anioma youths to shun violence, rumours and misinformation, saying they must use their voices responsibly when demanding accountability from government and other stakeholders.
Onyeme made the call on Friday in Asaba at the second Youth Summit of the Progressive Anioma Youth Association, PAYA, themed “Information Times.”
He said youths had an important role in shaping the future of Anioma, Delta State and Nigeria, but stressed that disagreements with government or other groups should be handled peacefully.
“I urge you to remain peaceful and constructive in your engagement with government and other stakeholders. You may disagree on issues, but disagreement should never become an excuse for division or violence,” he said.
The deputy governor also warned against the spread of unverified information, saying rumours and divisive messages could create tension in communities.
“Information has become one of the most powerful tools in our world today; we must learn to use information responsibly; we must not allow misinformation, rumours, or divisive narratives to create unnecessary tension among our people,” Onyeme added.
He urged the youths to listen to different views, engage other people and look for peaceful ways to resolve disagreements.
Onyeme also called for unity among Anioma youths, regardless of their communities, interests or political affiliations.
“Our gathering today reminds us of the importance of unity among our people; we must continue to work together as brothers and sisters regardless of our different communities, interests, or political affiliations,” he said.
He further encouraged the youths to acquire knowledge and develop skills that would enable them to contribute to the development of their communities.
According to him, government alone cannot drive development, as individuals, communities, youth groups and other stakeholders also have important roles to play.
The summit also featured the investiture of the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as the Grand Patron of PAYA.
In his acceptance speech, Okowa urged Anioma youths to use their talents, knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society and build a stronger Anioma, Delta State and Nigeria.
He said the future of Anioma depended largely on the younger generation remaining purposeful, responsible and committed to positive change.
The former governor also called on the youths to work together and use their collective strength to promote peace, progress and sustainable development in the region.
Okowa commended PAYA for providing a platform for Anioma youths to unite and participate in the development of the area.
Earlier, the convener of PAYA, Chinedu Enujekon, said the association was a socio-political organisation made up of young men and women from the nine local government areas of Delta North.
Enujekon said PAYA was established to unite Anioma youths and bridge the gap between generations.
He said the organisation had been active across the nine local government areas since 2021, when it operated as Delta North Youths.
According to him, Okowa was nominated as Grand Patron at the first Delta North Youth Senatorial Summit held in Asaba in 2022.
The nomination was formally followed by his investiture at the second summit.
Okowa also presented an Award of Excellence to Onyeme, while awards were given to outstanding executive chairmen across Anioma.
The summit brought together Anioma youths from the nine local government areas of Delta North to discuss unity, leadership, information and constructive participation in the development of the region.
