At the grand finale of the International Youth Week celebration held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State, Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services, Orode Uduaghan, emphasized the critical role of youth in the state’s development.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Uduaghan said, “It is nice to join you all to celebrate International Youth Week, which is an annual event set aside not only to recognize youths but to celebrate their contributions to the development of our State and Nation.”
Governor Oborevwori expressed concern over the challenges faced by youths in today’s world, stating, “The current generation of youths is challenged by constraints that have affected their capabilities to contribute their quota to societal development.” He highlighted pressing issues such as drug abuse, cybercrime, and social vices as roadblocks to youth potential. He commended those who have overcome these obstacles, urging them to continue pursuing legitimate paths.
The Governor further reassured the audience of his administration’s commitment to youth engagement and empowerment, referencing several initiatives already in motion, including small business grants and farmer support programs. He also announced the upcoming launch of youth-centric programs such as the E7 Series, aimed at engaging unemployed youths through skill acquisition programs aligned with his MORE Agenda for socio-economic development.
Commissioner Orode Uduaghan emphasized the theme of the event, “From Click to Progress – Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” stating, “In a world where technology continues to evolve at the speed of light, you, the youth, must be creators, innovators, and problem-solvers leveraging digital tools to propel our society toward sustainability.” She called on Delta youths to explore the limitless opportunities in digital technology and urged them to shun crime and social vices.
In his address, Hon. Barr. Harry Thankgod Trakiriowei, Commissioner for Youth Development, highlighted the significance of the International Youth Week and the pressing need for youth empowerment. He stressed the importance of providing platforms for youth to excel, stating, “We must not forget the excruciating challenges confronting our youths, which constitute over 35 per cent of the nation’s population.” He called for continuous exploration of opportunities to enable the youth to overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Trakiriowei lauded the role of digital technology in youth empowerment, noting the transition to online platforms as a key factor in societal transformation. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to driving youth development through various programs, including the Rural Youth Acquisition (RYSA) Programme and the MORE YD E7 Series.
The event concluded with a fashion parade and a panel discussion, where participants were awarded prizes for their outstanding contributions to the celebration.
