BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
In the heart of Asaba, Delta State capital, the third edition of the Delta Social Media Summit held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Maryam Babangidda Leisure Park. The event drew youths from across Delta State to Asaba for a digital empowerment and innovation.
Building on a legacy of fostering youth potential, this annual gathering, organized by Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, has become a rallying point for youths desirous of breaking away from barriers to success in the evolving digital landscape.
The summit has grown remarkably since its inception in 2023. The inaugural event in August 2023 attracted over 2,000 youths to Asaba for a one-day knowledge-driven forum focused on digital skills and social engineering.
The second edition in 2024, themed “Harnessing the Power of Social Media,” proved even more impactful, featuring high-profile speakers like comedian Real Warri Pikin and drawing media coverage from outlets such as Arise TV, while emphasizing fact-checking and entrepreneurial opportunities amid a larger, more engaged audience.
This year’s edition, held at the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park, continued that upward trajectory, blending inspiration, cautionary wisdom, and practical strategies under the resonant theme “Brand Delta, Grow Delta.”
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, set an uplifting tone in his keynote address. He underscored his administration’s commitment to equipping Delta’s youth with essential skills for thriving in today’s interconnected global arena.
“Delta is swiftly emerging as a hub of opportunities for our young people,” he proclaimed, framing the summit as a pivotal platform to prepare them for the digital future. Invoking the theme, he added, “We are laying a solid foundation for progress in Delta State. ‘Brand Delta, Grow Delta’ is a clarion call to harness our state’s abundant resources for the collective prosperity of all Deltans.”
Yet, amid the optimism, the governor issued a sobering reminder: social media, while a powerful tool for communication and rebranding, must be wielded responsibly.
He urged attendees to shun fake news that could cause disunity in society, insisting that the platform should unite rather than divide, and called on users to collaborate with the government in amplifying Delta’s positive narratives.
In a goodwill message, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, urged youths and other stakeholders to embrace social media as a tool for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, the Speaker commended the organizers for their commitment to harnessing digital platforms to transform the state’s economy and create opportunities for young people.
He noted that the theme of the summit reflected the aspirations of the state to use its rich cultural heritage, resources, and human capital to build a strong identity capable of attracting investments and fostering prosperity.
Summit convener, Ossai Ovie Success, a testament to social media’s transformative power, shared his personal journey with infectious enthusiasm.
“What I am today is because of social media; I’m a living beneficiary of its positive use,” he declared, positioning the event as a means to empower users not just as content creators, but as job creators and entrepreneurs.
Beyond mere communication, he explained, social media serves as a vehicle for social engineering, economic opportunity, and fame. The summit, he emphasized, was designed to impart requisite skills for success, encouraging consistency and authenticity.
“Anyone can rise to prominence through social media,” Ossai affirmed, viewing the gathering as his way of giving back to society and nurturing the next generation of digital leaders.
The event’s lineup of speakers delivered a tapestry of insights, blending personal anecdotes with actionable advice. Dr. Mrs. Nkem Imarue, a seasoned interior designer, challenged participants to rethink their approach to online platforms.
Recalling her own shift from relying on word-of-mouth referrals to leveraging social media, she shared how it exponentially amplified her business. “Social media is a tool, use it wisely,” she advised, stressing that growth comes from consistency rather than sensationalism.
“You don’t need to go overboard to attract followers; steady effort is the key to overcoming poor visibility.”
Teacher Chike, a dedicated educator harnessing social media to mold young minds, highlighted its profound influence on learning, commerce, and future-shaping.
Through virtual connections, he mentors students across distances he could never physically bridge, creating boundless opportunities.
“Social media lets you reach the unreachable,” he noted, revealing his status as one of Nigeria’s most followed teachers thanks to the value he consistently provides. His mantra: “Offer genuine value—that’s what draws people in.”
Shifting to financial acumen, Emmanuel Osazuwa delved into “Building Wealth Through Financial Intelligence.” He implored attendees to master money management, tracking income and cash flows to build lasting prosperity.
“What you do with money in times of abundance determines your fate in leaner days,” he warned, advocating against impulsive spending and favoring informed investments. “True wealth is what you retain, not what you flaun, invest to escape poverty, and keep your finances private.”
Dr. Charles Akpoki, speaking on “Social Media and Entrepreneurship Development,” painted the online world as a “global street” ripe for intentional navigation. Drawing from his own success, monetizing a YouTube channel to host paid seminars in Europe, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, he stressed authenticity as the cornerstone of triumph.
“Money knows no boundaries or biases,” he quipped, urging users to be deliberate and genuine, lest fakery derail their ascent.
Rounding out the discourse, controversial influencer Blessing CEO brought her unfiltered flair, affirming social media’s lucrative potential. “There’s real money here,” she asserted, unveiling her strategy: “I’m naturally quiet, but when it’s time to monetize, I make noise—every controversy is calculated for profit.”
For newcomers, she demystified the journey: “It starts as a struggle, but don’t fear beginnings. I launched as a joke, posting whatever came to mind, and consistency turned it into momentum.” Dismissing detractors, she encouraged resilience: “People will talk, it’s cheap. Ignore the noise, stay consistent, and relevance will follow.
“Social media built me, and the earnings. If I share the figures, you’d call it bragging. I go bold to earn, then quiet to enjoy my earnings. All the noise I make is to make money.”
As the summit concluded, a palpable energy lingered, a fusion of aspiration and pragmatism enveloped the auditorium. This third edition not only sharpened digital savvy but reinforced Delta’s role as a nurturing ground for youthful innovation, ensuring the state’s story resonates far beyond its borders.
With each passing year, the Delta Social Media Summit evolves, inspiring a generation to brand, grow, and unite in the digital age.
