The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., has urged Delta youths to embrace creativity, innovation, education, entrepreneurship and leadership development as essential tools for personal advancement and meaningful contributions to society.
Oghenesivbe gave the charge at the International Youth Day celebration organised by the Delta State Ministry of Youth Development at Unity Hall, Government House Asaba, urging young people to pursue purposeful ambitions, cultivate discipline, embrace continuous learning and transform their talents into productive ventures.
He said the 2026 International Youth Day theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” reflects the shared aspirations of young people across communities and countries for quality education, decent employment, meaningful participation in decision-making and a sustainable future.
The Bureau Chief stressed that the celebration should go beyond ceremonies to address youth challenges and promote investments in skills acquisition, digital inclusion, innovation and economic empowerment.
He urged young people to reject the notion that education is a scam, noting that formal education, vocational training, digital competence and practical experience remain critical pathways to self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
Oghenesivbe said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration remains committed to youth development through the MORE Agenda, which prioritises Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. He noted that its emphasis on human capital development, enterprise support and skills acquisition was designed to expand opportunities for young people.
At the national level, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for pursuing youth-focused initiatives under the Renewed Hope agenda, particularly those linking education, digital skills, technical training and entrepreneurship with emerging economic opportunities, especially NELFUND providing financial assistance to indigent students nationwide.
He emphasised the need to translate government policies into practical benefits that enable youths to acquire marketable skills, establish businesses, secure decent employment and contribute to economic growth. He therefore encouraged eligible young people to take advantage of available programmes and apply their knowledge to solving community challenges.
The Bureau Chief urged Delta youths to remain focused on their ambitions, stressing that responsible leadership requires perseverance, service, discipline and consistent personal development.
He cited Governor Oborevwori’s progression from community leadership in Osubi to Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and subsequently Governor as an example of how commitment, experience and public service can prepare individuals for greater leadership responsibilities.
Oghenesivbe also encouraged youths to participate actively in civic affairs, community development and legitimate democratic processes, including politics, where they could contribute ideas and influence decisions affecting their future.
On digital engagement, he advised young people to use social media to promote creativity, entrepreneurship, positive community initiatives and credible information, while avoiding misinformation, cyberbullying and divisive content.
Oghenesivbe said digital platforms should serve as tools for learning, innovation, public enlightenment and responsible engagement.
Earlier, the immediate past Commissioner for Youth Development, Trakiriowei Harry ThankGod, now the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Patani State Constituency, urged Delta youths to deploy their talents in the service of the state, Nigeria and humanity.
Trakiriowei commended Governor Oborevwori for his commitment to youth development, empowerment and human capacity building, noting that sustained investment in young people was essential to building a prosperous and inclusive society.
The event attracted youths from the three senatorial districts of Delta State, including political appointees responsible for youth development.
The celebration reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between government and young people in expanding opportunities, nurturing talent, encouraging innovation and strengthening democratic governance and sustainable development.
