BY CHRISTY ABOGHE
THE Delta State Government has described youths as partners in the socio-economic development of the state. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who was represented by Commissioner for Girl-Child and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Orode Uduaghan, stated this during the grand finale of the International Youth Week celebration, with the theme “From Click To Progress-Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”, held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
He said for peace and development to strive, the contribution of youths is paramount.
Oborevwori, while highlighting some of the challenges the current generation of youths were faced with, from involvement in drug abuse, Internet fraud, illegal collection of property development levies, amongst other social vices, said it has affected their capacities to contribute their quota to societal development.
He said “it has led to social dislocation and posed a clear and present danger to the future of our nation”.
“Taking to cime is not and can never be a solution to the current challenges. I urge you to concentrate on positive ventures capable of catapulting you to a greater and more sustainable and prosperous future”, he said.
Oborevwori said “my administration has put in place relevant structures to drive the process of youth engagement and empowerment through a multi-sectoral approach. Recently, some of our youth-oriented programmes have resulted to the empowerment of thousands of youths in the state through grants to small business owners and farmers”
The governor urged them to remain patriotic and committed to exemplary conduct by shunning all forms of crimes and social vices, which include drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, examination malpractice, kidnapping for ransom, among others.
He said other youth-focused programmes will soon to be rolled out through the Ministry of Youth Development, amongst other MDAs. “It is gratifying to note that the programmes correspond to the M.O.R.E agenda of this administration, which emphasizes socio-economic development and the Strategic Development Goals (SDGs), and places premium on youth involvement in the development matrix.
The Governor called on parents and guardians to take advantage of career benefits in the immense career prospects that are inherent in the military which he said have remained untapped by the youths.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Development Hon. Barr. Thankgod Trakiriowei, urged youths in the state to continue to explore all available options and opportunities that will enable them contribute their quota towards national development.
The Commissioner said the recourse to online platforms, including social media and digital incubators will facilitate partnerships and collaborations and enable youths to create solutions to current and emerging challenges for sustainable development.
Trakiriowei said the theme underscores the place of digital skills in youth development, adding that across the world and including Nigeria, there is a transition to digital technology which can be used as a viable tool for social and economic transformation of societies.
He said exploring any opportunities would help them overcome the challenges that they are confronted with.
While appreciating the governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his unwavering commitment and support for “our youth initiatives, which are structured in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda compliments the youth week aimed at promoting youth enterprise development and enable poverty reduction in our communities
The event featured a fashion parade and symposium.
