Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has said that his biggest drive is to invest in the development of youths. He said this is one of the most critical aspect of his administration and crucial to nation building.
Speaking through Funkekeme Solomon, senior political adviser to the governor, Okowa said his government is determined to build the capacity of youths in the state. His stance was made known during the inauguration of the youth parliament at the state house of assembly.
He told the youths who formed the youth parliamentarians to leverage on the opportunities provided by the platform to enhance their level of self-awareness, confidence and leadership capacity and teamwork.
Governor Okowa advised the youths to promote peace in their communities and do away with all forms of social vices that are inimical to growth and development of their communities and the state.
He told the youths of his administration’s determination to youth development, an action being demonstrated through the various skills development initiatives of the government of Delta state.
Earlier, the Commissioner, Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga stated that the establishment of Youth Parliament in the State was in conformity with the United Nations Charter on Youths Development in pursuant to the resolutions of the Commonwealth Head of Governments meeting held in 2005.
Egwuyenga stated that the Youth Parliament was created to strengthen, reinforce and consolidate efforts in empowering young people through meaningful youth representation in driving Nigeria’s development agenda.
Elected by the Parliamentarians for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker were Rt Hon Dr. George Ohwoekevwo of Ughelli North Constituency 1 and Hon Obuseh Gloria of Ika South Constituency respectively.
The occasion witnessed a cream of Delta State House of Assembly members and State Executive Council members which included the representative of the Speaker, Rt Hon. Ochor Christopher Ochor, Deputy Speaker, representing Ukwuani; Chairman, House Committee on Youths and Sports representing Warri North State Constituency, Hon. Alfred Martins; Hon. Emmanuel Amatare Senebe, member representing Patani; Hon. Shedrack Ekene Rapu, member representing Oshimili South; Hon. Okoh Festus Chukwuyem, member representing Ika South; Hon. Kenneth Edafe Ogba, member representing Isoko South Constituency 1; Hon. Guwor Emomotimi Denis, member representing Warri South-West; Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, member representing Uvwie; and Hon. Emeka Nwaobi member representing Aniocha North.
The members of State Executive Council present included Hon. Michael Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, Commissioner for Youth Development; Hon. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Information; Chief Patrick Ukah, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education; Hon. Mrs. Flora Alanta, Commissioner for Women Affairs; and Hon. Mrs. Gbugbemi Ikolo, Commissioner for Technical and Vocational Education.