Edigbe Emerges President, Isoko National Youth Congress

A former Students’ Union Government, SUG, President of the defunct Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Comrade Abel Edigbe has been elected and inaugurated as President of the Isoko National Youth Congress (INYC) Worldwide.

The new executive was inaugurated, weekend, by Grand Patron of INYC and Commissioner Representing Isoko Ethnic Nationality on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Victor Egbo at the Stop n Chop Event Centre, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Egbo in his remarks, charged the youths to shun violence, cultism and other social vices and partner with various governments and development partners in their quest to provide human capital and infrastructural development for the youths and people of Isoko nation.

Egbo, a former President of Isoko National Youth Assembly, INYA, commended the youths for a peaceful election and called for the cooperation of Isoko youths in the overall development of Isoko nation and Delta State in general.

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In his acceptance speech, Comrade Edigbe pledged to sustain the struggle for the growth and emancipation of the Isokoland from age-long neglect and thanked the stakeholders for electing him as President.

According to him, “Today, we mark a new dawn and a new chapter in the history of Isoko National youth struggle. Let me begin by thanking God, Almighty, who made the contest possible for me to emerge as the National Youth President of Isoko National Youth Congress through your mandate.

“I came into this contest with the sole objective to spread greatness to all youths of our great Isoko ethnic nationality through the office of National Youth Congress President of Isoko National Youth Congress (INYC).

“A chapter written by us, the youth, who have been entrusted with the responsibility of shaping our future. We embrace this challenge with passion and determination.

“We stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, honouring their struggles and achievements. However, we also recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that our generation faces.”

He said Isoko land accounts for the largest production of onshore crude oil in Delta State since 1958 when crude oil was discovered in large quantity in Uzere, Isoko South, Delta State.

“Isoko is host to Agip, SPDC, NPDC, First Hydrocarbon, Heritage oil and a host of others. OML 26, 30, 60 and 61 are all in Isoko land. However, despite years of exploration of crude oil in Isokoland, no meaningful federal government projects have been executed in the area to make for the pollution and hazardous environment caused by such exploration activities.

“Unlike other areas in Niger Delta where Federal government and her agencies execute mega projects, Isokoland is largely bereft of development and lack of projects. The few projects in Isokoland are either poorly executed or abandoned.

“We promise to work tirelessly together to address the issues that matter most to us: Isoko unity, education, quality representation, empowerment, and economic development. We will run a youth administration that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Isoko youths.

“This is the time to right the wrongs of the past. Hence, the Isoko National Youth Congress (INYC) will harness the power of technology, creativity, and innovation to drive youth progress and growth.

“We will build bridges, not walls, and partner with governments, international NGOs, philanthropists, and businesses to achieve our goals.

“Together, we will reshape the future of Isoko youth. This is our time and our moment. Let us seize it with courage, hope, and determination.” Edigbe stated.

Director of Academic Planning, Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Hilary Owamah in a lecture titled “Youth, Leadership and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” said the success and failure of any nation squarely lies on the kind of leadership it has.

Prof. Owamah, an Engineer, further noted that among the determinant factors of the wellbeing of a nation present and future, is the level of the youths’ involvement in the governance of that nation.

He, therefore, urged the youths of Isokoland to embrace politics and ensure good governance for its people.

The ceremony was attended by Member representing Isoko North Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Bernard Odior, his Isoko South 1 counterpart, Hon. Bino Obowomano, Chairmanship candidate of Isoko South Local Government Council, Comrade Warri Ovoke Friday and Chairman of the occasion Hon. Kennedy Obodo, among others.