Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged African youths to stop limiting themselves to complaints about bad governance and take active part in politics and decision-making.
He said young people must be willing to seek leadership positions and contribute to solving problems in their communities if they want to influence the continent’s future.
Oborevwori spoke on Tuesday while declaring open the fifth edition of the Social Innovation and Leadership Bootcamp Africa 2026, with the theme, “Architects of Change,” at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, the governor said leadership required courage, commitment and the ability to turn ideas into practical solutions.
He said, “Africa needs young people who can innovate, create opportunities, build sustainable enterprises and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.”
The governor said his administration’s MORE Agenda included programmes to equip youths with skills and opportunities for economic independence. He cited the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, skills acquisition schemes, the Delta State Innovation Hub and training programmes, including a recent workshop on electric vehicles.
Oborevwori commended his Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mentoring and Development, Elvis Akpobi, as well as the organisers, mentors and partners for supporting young leaders.
Earlier, Akpobi said the bootcamp was designed to equip young Africans with the knowledge, skills and exposure needed to contribute to national and continental development. He disclosed that about 50 international delegates were attending the programme in Asaba.
Akpobi also called for more opportunities for young people to participate in governance and policymaking, commending the governor for supporting youth development initiatives.
Speaking with journalists, a lawyer, Eugene Uzum, said good governance depended partly on leaders and other stakeholders recognising the role of young people in nation-building.
He described the bootcamp as an effort to raise a patriotic generation of Africans ready to take responsibility for the continent’s future.
The founder of Connected Development, Hamzat Lawal, also stressed the need to sustain youth participation in politics and governance, saying leadership training was important in preparing young people for public responsibility.
