Ogona Anita
Over 30 Youths Bodies have been inaugurated to speak in unisim towards tackling challenges facing the youths in Rivers State.
The new group to be known as coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies have been asked to stay away from acts, utterances capable of igniting or promoting any form of negativity about the state, and to shun unholy ventures that could deny them their rights or truncating their future hopes and aspirations.
Speaking at a one day youth engagement and official Inauguration of over Thirty Youth bodies in Rivers State the chairman of the occasion Ambassador Orji Ngofa said Rivers youth will achieve so much goodwill if they remain united.
Amb Orji Ngofa who is a former Ambassador to the kingdom of the Netherlands said the future of the country belongs to the youth as such collaboration amongst diverse youth organizations will empower young individuals to align and speak in one voice to achieve broader developmental goals of the state
He Urge the youth to remain resolute in protecting the rights of young people, as a united Youth bodies will amplify their voices, organize collective resistance against all forms of injustice.
The special guest of honor senator Bennet Birabi also charged the youth to get serious with involvement in governance and state development rather than being a tool in the hands of politicians.
He Urged them to focus on tackling oppression, youth Restiveness, and socio political marginalization, while also advocating against corporate, government institutions that marginalized or exclude youth voices.
For his part the chairman of Nigeria labour Comrade Congress Alex Ikechi Agwanwor who inaugurated the youth coalition Urged them to remain steadfast in rewriting the ugly trend Rivers history of division amongst indigene on all political fronts. He said few years ago Rivers State ranked second highest in GDP after Lagos but right now Lagos have left Rivers State behind.
He also Urged the Inaugurated youths to remain resolute in demanding for the dividends of democracy, harness the collective strength of youth energy and creativities to drive a positive change and build leadership capacity across the state
speaking shortly after the Inauguration the Chairman, Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar in his speech express joy for having been chosen to serve as the pioneer chairman of the coalition, he said “This opportunity comes with significant responsibilities and high expectations, Yet, this mantle has been without struggle, and I accept it with humility and a sense of duty
He pledge to abide by the rules and principles guiding the activities and program of the youth body. “My administration will prioritize peace, unity, and progress among the youths under my leadership, this coalition will play a vital role in restoring Democratic values and strengthening democratic tenets across Nigeria, especially in the interest of youth, who make up the largest segment of our population.
Comrade Imeabe emphasize that the Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies is not an extension of any political party. He said Under my watch, we will not rent out our platform to any political interest. “We are here to be a voice for the voiceless, a shield for the vulnerable and a force for justice and accountability. We will speak out against human rights violations and challenge unjust policies. We will hold public office holders accountable and stand firmly on the side of truth and equity”.
To the Federal Government, we say this: the time has come to implement policies that will genuinely serve the interests of the people-not those that cater to the egos of a few elite in Abuja. As youth leaders, we will not tolerate any breach of the rule of law, especially in the Niger Delta.
We must work collectively to uphold democratic values, as they are the bedrock of peace and development in our nation. We will cooperate with security agencies to protect and secure our country, because the
youth, are the lifeblood of this nation. We will not partake in any action that will hinder development or compromise the progress of our people. Therefore I urge the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, because without the people there is no nation”
In conclusion he, called for the full inclusion of youth in policymaking and governance that is the only way nation can truly progress. The idea that youth are the future has become a fading slogan when young leaders are not given access to power, and the space is continues to be occupied by those who should be mentoring the next generation.
“I call on the government to give urgent attention to youth development empowerment, and leadership opportunities. This is how we will prepare, position the youth to lead effectively, not only tomorrow but today.
As chairman, I will ensure that our youth are equipped, empowered, and positioned to reclaim Their rightful place in the leadership of Rivers State and Nigeria.
