By Patrick Ochei
The Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Youth Mobilization, Mr. Onyedikachi Michael Odogwu, has called on youths across the state to take active roles in promoting peace and fostering harmonious relationships within their respective communities.
Odogwu made the call while delivering the keynote address at the unveiling of the Youth Empowerment Support Initiative organised by the Okehebunor Foundation to commemorate the 2026 Africa Youth Day celebration.
Speaking on the theme, “Bridging Generations Through Youth Leadership and Empowerment for One Africa’s Shared Future,” Odogwu described young people as an indispensable segment of society whose energy, creativity and leadership potential must be harnessed for sustainable development.
He challenged African youths to discard the mindset that success is only attainable outside the continent, urging them instead to recognise their individual potential and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of their communities and countries.
According to him, young people must begin to see Africa as a land of opportunities and take deliberate steps towards realising their aspirations while participating actively in nation-building and peace-building efforts.
The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Delta State House of Assembly.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Vice President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), South-South Zone, Comrade Kenneth Okorie, affirmed that youths possess the capacity and responsibility to build the nation rather than engage in actions capable of undermining its progress.
He commended the founder of the Okehebunor Foundation, Amb. Aghaulor Samuel Okehebunor, for his commitment to youth development, noting that the empowerment initiative would provide valuable support to beneficiaries by strengthening and encouraging them to put their acquired vocational skills to productive use.
Africa Youth Day is observed annually on November 1, providing an opportunity to recognise the contributions, aspirations and potential of young people across the continent.
The 2026 celebration, held at the Olorogun Felix Ibru Secretariat in Asaba, Delta State, featured an empowerment gesture by the Okehebunor Foundation, which committed ₦1 million to support graduates of the Delta State Vocational Training Board.
Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, Amb. Aghaulor Samuel Okehebunor expressed appreciation to members of his board and sponsors for their encouragement and support, which he said had made the intervention possible.
He reaffirmed his commitment to giving back to society, stressing that his underlying motivation was to positively impact lives, promote self-reliance and contribute to the economic growth and development of society.
He further emphasised the importance of sustained interventions that equip young people with the resources and opportunities needed to translate their acquired skills into productive ventures and meaningful livelihoods.
