A group, Core Delta Youth led by Commonwealth Youth ambassador and diplomat Amb. Uyero Erarawewho Junior, on Saturday, organised a memorable 2018 Youth Political Conference drawing youth's from across the state, party lines and ideology to discuss the way forward regarding their political future.

It also used the opportunity to officially endorse Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the second term in office, maintaining that since his swearing-in; Delta State has witnessed relative changes in areas like roads, job creation, infrastructures and sports development. The group also launched the “OKOWA 100%” slogan and promised to reach out to more youths in support of the Governor's re-election come 2019.

Major resolutions reached were geared towards making the youths relevant in the corridors of power in 2019. To achieve this resolution, a consensus was reached that Nigerians especially Delta youths be recommended to seat on some key positions and that the nomination form for all aspirants below the ages of 40 be given a discount of 30% by all political parties.

Firstly, the youths anticipated that the program was a PDP affair but when the speakers took to the podium, they were charged up as to why the old narratives have to be changed. On the roll call, the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan first stormed the venue accompanied by a host of aides with his unassuming look and fatherly disposition willing to identify with young folks in a gathering that provided a platform for cross-fertilisation of ideas.

He took the time to interact with the youths, charging them to take cognizance of the efforts of Core Delta Youth in organising a gigantic political conference as this for their gain. He explained to them why it was necessary to change their perception and ideology to benefit from the conference. The event took shape of mouth-watering interactions as the youths were privileged to reel out their fears and worries over the little attention given to them in politics.

During the course of the discussions, the former governor explicated that in line with the theme of the event, ‘Changing the old narratives in a fast emerging young socio-political economic development and good governance in Nigeria,’ said that there must be a paradigm shift and total departure from the old ways of doing things.

He said the future of the youths depends on the forthcoming elections. He advised that before throwing weight behind candidates, the youths must take into consideration the germane issues revolving around their social habitats like lack of education, drug abuse, unemployment and other social vices. He expressed dissatisfaction with young people aspiring for public office that are throwing brickbats and demeaning elders on the social network.

Uduaghan cautioned the youths to desist from such ignoble acts while also encouraging those without permanent voters card (PVC) to go and register and get their voters card within the period of grace by INEC. Coordinator Core Delta Youth, Amb. Uyero Erarawewho, in his opening address, charged the youths to shun violence, thuggery and say no to doing the bidding of any blood sucking politician in this political dispensation. He also encouraged them to see themselves as the solution to their present and future putting behind the past issues.

The keynote speaker, Barr. Lloyd Owonaro, PDP South-South youth leader, in his opening address, said that youths represent the future of tomorrow not minding that for long, Nigeria leaders have carved the notion and belief that political leadership is meant for the elderly. He affirmed that to change this assertion, youths should study and emulate in some ways persons like former President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and late Muhammed Gadaffi who were all African youths that fought and took over power, winning the battle.

“It is, therefore, time to be proactive, contribute meaningfully and show readiness to change the old narratives that you all are entangled in,” he noted.

The ebullient Vice Chairman of Isoko North, Hon. Mrs Joy Okor Okeoghene, who handled the topic, ‘Sustaining the political tempo with the inclusion of young people in the centre’, said she is a vibrant youth who have been pursuing her purpose and vision of leadership while in the university. She pointed out that her relevance in politics finally paid off as she just came into office some months ago.

“It is not just for young people to participate in politics but also to display their talent and innate potentials for all to see which in the course of doing that nobody can deny young people the opportunity to partake in any leadership position. So, to get to that corridor of power, there must be a passion and burning desire in you. It is time for young people to serve,” she declared.

Update news