The State Chairman of the Delta State Council of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Odiri Milton Sagboje, CLN, has called for sustained collaboration among youth-focused organizations as a strategic response to unemployment, drug abuse, cultism, and declining youth participation in governance across the state.
Sagboje made the call while receiving the leadership and members of the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN), Delta State Chapter, during a courtesy visit in Asaba. He described the engagement as timely, noting that it reflects a growing resolve among young people to unite around shared challenges and workable solutions.
According to him, the complex social and economic issues confronting youths can only be effectively addressed through a united front, coordinated advocacy, and purposeful partnerships that go beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible outcomes.
Discussions during the meeting focused on youth participation in governance, leadership development, voter sensitization, unemployment, and the rising threats of drug abuse and cultism. Sagboje warned that drug abuse and cult-related activities continue to undermine youth productivity and community safety, stressing the need for proactive awareness campaigns, grassroots engagement, and collaboration with relevant authorities to curb the menace.
He further emphasized that youth empowerment through skills acquisition, capacity building, and access to opportunities remains a critical pathway to reducing unemployment and economic vulnerability. He added that increased youth involvement in the electoral process is essential for strengthening democracy and promoting inclusive governance.
Earlier, the Speaker of the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Uwafili Ikechukwu, said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional synergy among youth bodies and presenting a united front in addressing challenges facing young people in Delta State. He called for sustained collaboration in youth advocacy, civic engagement, voter sensitization, and the fight against drug abuse and cultism.
Sagboje commended the NYAN delegation for their show of solidarity and commitment to purposeful youth engagement, describing the visit as a reaffirmation of shared responsibility to safeguard the future of the next generation.
“As the umbrella body of all youth organizations, the NYCN remains open, inclusive, and committed to partnerships that uplift young people and translate dialogue into concrete actions that will positively impact youths across Delta State,” he said.
The NYCN Chairman was joined by the Deputy State Chairman, Comrade Okotie Omatseye Benjamin, and the State Secretary, Comrade Onyimah Michael Chukwuemeke.