The Delta State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Sagboje Odiri Milton (CLN), has urged Nigerian youths to embrace skill acquisition as a critical pathway to personal growth, economic independence, and sustainable national development.
Comrade Sagboje made this call at the flag-off ceremony of the 2025 World Youth Skills Day, organized by the Ika North East Chapter of the NYCN in Owa, under the theme “Empowering Youth Through Skills for a Sustainable Future.”
The programme brought together selected executives from the fourteen wards in Ika North East Local Government Area. These executives are expected to serve as ambassadors of the initiative by mobilizing and sensitizing youths within their respective wards to enroll in the Delta State Skill Acquisition Centres. The initiative is aimed at enhancing youth empowerment, reducing unemployment, and promoting self-reliance across the state.
In his address, Comrade Sagboje emphasized that skill acquisition remains a cornerstone for financial stability and long-term sustainability. According to him, “Skills form the foundation of a sustainable future free from financial dependency. Our youths must rise above reliance and embrace creativity, innovation, and productivity through deliberate skill development.”
He further noted that the initiative aligns with the MORE Agenda of the Delta State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, which prioritizes Opportunities for All. He reaffirmed the commitment of the NYCN to collaborating with government agencies, training institutions, and private-sector partners to expand access to skill development opportunities for young people across Delta State.
Comrade Sagboje also commended the Executive Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Area, Hon. Monday Odigwe, for his consistent support for youth development and NYCN programmes within the LGA. He described him as a youth-friendly leader whose partnership continues to drive positive grassroots transformation, while encouraging other local government chairmen across the state to emulate such support. He further reiterated that the National Youth Council of Nigeria remains the apex youth body and the officially recognized voice of Nigerian youths, as stipulated in the National Youth Policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
While applauding the leadership of the NYCN Ika North East Chapter for its vision and commitment, Comrade Sagboje described the chapter as a model of effective grassroots leadership. He encouraged other chapters across the state to replicate similar initiatives that equip youths with relevant skills for a sustainable future.
In a goodwill message, the NYCN Vice President (South-South), Amb. Kenneth Okorie, expressed appreciation to the Ika North East Chapter for the warm reception and support, describing the event as a memorable first engagement. He pledged both financial and administrative support for the skill acquisition scholarship programme, stressing that “every young person willing to learn a trade or acquire a skill must be given equal opportunity. No youth from Ika North East should be left behind in our pursuit of a sustainable future.”
Earlier, in his keynote lecture titled “Empowering Youths for a Skilled and Sustainable Future,” Venerable Patrick Onyekachukwu Okoh highlighted the importance of discipline, perseverance, and innovation in achieving success through skill acquisition. He encouraged participants to view skills not only as a means of livelihood but also as powerful tools for national transformation.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NYCN Ika North East Chapter, Comrade Lucky Ehiobu, thanked the State Chairman and other dignitaries for their presence and support. He reaffirmed the chapter’s dedication to continuous youth engagement, leadership development, and community-focused empowerment programmes.
Dignitaries at the event included Comrade Okotie Benjamin, Deputy Chairman, NYCN Delta State; Dr. Paul Enueme, Vice Chairman, NYCN Delta North; Comrade Ighosotu Kelvin, Programme Officer; Comrade Akpobi Stella Maris, Financial Secretary; Comrade Osisi Awele, Delta North Gender Officer; Comrade Sagboje Efe Felix, Special Adviser (SPAD II) to the State Chairman; and Comrade Aboyi Lawson, Chief of Staff to the State Chairman.
Others in attendance were Comrade Lucky Omorogie, immediate past State Programme Officer; Comrade Emmanuel Eboka, Deputy Chairman, NYCN Ika South Chapter; and several leaders of Youth Volunteer Organisations (YVOs) across the local government area.
Office of the Chairman
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Delta State