Youths from the 25 local government areas of Delta State converged on Asaba on Tuesday for the inauguration of the State and Senatorial Executives of the Delta Youth Transformation Movement, DYTM, with a call for youth empowerment, community transformation and sustainable development.
The event, held at the Ndudi Elumelu Campaign Office in Asaba, was organised by DYTM in conjunction with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and featured the launch of the movement’s flagship programmes.
The programmes are focused on youth empowerment, community transformation and sustainable development, while speakers at the event urged young people to take active roles in political, economic and community development.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Inauguration Committee, Sir Raymond E. Onwugbenu, said DYTM was more than an organisation, describing it as a platform created to bring young people together, harness their talents, promote leadership, encourage entrepreneurship and inspire them to contribute to the development of Delta State.
Onwugbenu said the energy, creativity, intelligence and courage of young people could be harnessed to drive meaningful change, adding that youth transformation should not only be about preparing young people for the future but also empowering them to make an impact in the present.
He commended the guests, partners, volunteers and members of the inauguration committee for their contributions towards establishing the movement and urged members to remain committed to its vision.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the newly constituted State and Senatorial Executives of DYTM, which are expected to coordinate the activities of the movement across the state and the three senatorial districts.
The newly inaugurated President of DYTM, Comrade Isioma Odozi Melekwe, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in the new executive and promised to strengthen the movement across the 25 local government areas.
Melekwe also pledged that DYTM would mobilise its members for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the event and former member of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, urged members of the movement to work together and take advantage of opportunities available to young people.
Elumelu said Delta State had produced people who occupied important national positions, stressing that young people should not limit their ambitions or believe that certain leadership positions were beyond their reach.
He also called for greater support for young entrepreneurs, saying providing opportunities and facilities for young people in business would strengthen communities and contribute to economic development.
Elumelu urged members of DYTM to remain united and focused on building a platform that would create opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
The Special guest, Renewed Hope Coordinator for Delta State and Senior Policy Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Hon. Solomon Funkekeme, spoke on the policies of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly initiatives targeting education, youth development and economic reforms.
Funkekeme said prolonged challenges in the education sector had affected the dreams of many young Nigerians, noting that initiatives such as the student loan programme were aimed at reducing financial barriers to education.
He said the Federal Government was also working in areas including infrastructure, security and the economy, while urging Nigerians to remain patient with the ongoing reforms.
Funkekeme called on APC members to strengthen their structures at the grassroots and engage communities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology and Delta North Patron of DYTM, Dr Daniel Odigie, appreciated the organisers, guests and members who travelled from different parts of the state to attend the inauguration.
Odigie said the turnout demonstrated the importance attached to the movement, adding that DYTM had the potential to become a strong platform if its members remained united and committed to its objectives.
The Commissioner for Transport and Delta Central Patron of DYTM, Hon. Onoriode Agofure, represented by Comrade Tega Akponine, urged members to work together and coordinate their efforts.
Agofure said unity and effective grassroots mobilisation were necessary for the movement to achieve its objectives, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
The Grand Patron and Guest of Honour, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, represented by the Vice Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Nneka Clara Dibia, congratulated the organisers and members of DYTM on the inauguration.
Okwuofu said the youth should not be neglected because they represented the future of the nation. She commended the movement for recognising the importance of young people and urged members to remain united and steadfast in the APC.
The immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. Ezenyili Kelvin Obi, also called for unity and commitment among members of the movement.
Okowa said government policies had implications for state and local government administration, particularly in the areas of resources for development, empowerment and projects.
He urged members to support the movement and mobilise their people ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that a united and well-organised structure could achieve its objectives.
The inauguration marked the formal constitution of DYTM’s leadership structure at both the state and senatorial levels, with the new executives expected to drive its programmes on youth empowerment, community transformation and sustainable development across Delta State.
