A coalition of change was formed between the wife of the state governor, Dame Edith Okowa, and wives of traditional rulers in Delta state to address increasing issues of youth restiveness in all it forms.
Playing host to the over 100 royal mothers from across the 25 local government areas at unity hall, Dame Okowa, had pointed out, “We need to recover our youths from destruction.
“Our young ones are gradually but steadily slipping out of our hands and if we keep folding our hands, we are not sure of what the future would become.
“It has become common place for our young children to go out and return with items that even we, their parents, cannot afford.
“The drive to get rich quick and at all cost has eaten deep and we must step in before things get out of hands.
“Our girl children have also taken to the streets as sex workers, a trend that has become rather worrisome.
“In as much as we have gathered here to celebrate the season, we must bring these issues to the front burner”, she said.
She extended her appreciation to the royal mothers for the work of unity they had been doing in the state.
“Delta is peaceful because of what you are doing in your various kingdoms and I pray you will not miss your rewards”.
During the interactive session, the traditional mothers proffered possible solutions to the issues at stake.
Chief amongst the suggestions made was the need for parents to be close to their children.
It was admitted that the children who display waywardness only replicate what they have seen in their parents.
Parents were advised to in addition to meeting the financial needs of their children, pay close attention to making sure they live exemplary lives themselves.
The annual event saw the royal mothers receiving gift items from the mother of the state, as means of celebrating the Christmas season with them.
They, in turn, expressed their gratitude to the wife of the governor for always carrying them along, while pledging to implement the call to action from the meeting.
In the words of the Royal Mother, Ute-Ogbeje kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area, Queen Gladys Jikeme, “For six years now, we have benefitted from the kindness of Her Excellency.
“We are very happy that in addition to the gifts received, we have been empowered to go to our kingdoms and educate our women on the issues that have been discussed”.
The event was attended by top female government functionaries and representatives.
