Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering youth through agriculture. Speaking at the recently concluded Isoko Youth Conference, he urged young people in the Isoko Nation to embrace farming and leverage the skills and networks gained from the event to drive socio-economic development.

The conference, held on March 5, 2025, at Delta State University’s Oleh Campus, was organised by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) and Special Assistant (SA) to the Governor on Youth Mobilization. The event aimed to promote political unity and agricultural empowerment as pathways to economic growth.

Represented by the Commissioner of Youth Development, Barr. ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the government’s M.O.R.E Agenda, pledging increased agricultural support through the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He assured the youths of partnership opportunities to ease their entry into agriculture. He announced a ₦1 billion revolving fund under the Delta State Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency and the Bank of Industry to support young entrepreneurs.

“As part of my M.O.R.E agenda promises, Delta State Government will do more agricultural empowerment for Delta Youths. Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture will implement this mandate. Isoko youths should use the program to prepare themselves for the 1 billion revolving funds,”he stated. 

Also speaking at the Conference, Mr. Uyero Erarawewho, Junior, Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’ On Youth Mobilization and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, welcomed guests, speakers, and Isoko youths to the conference. In his address, he emphasised the importance of unity and agriculture in empowering Isoko youths to become independent and self-sufficient and contribute to the development of society. He admonished the participants to listen attentively because the Speakers are here to do Justice to the topics and impart knowledge to them.

He thanked the SSAs and SAs for their tireless efforts in making the conference successful, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to developing and empowering Isoko youths. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori” ‘s Aides from Isoko Nation present, included are Efenudu Orevaoghene, SA Youth Development, Engr. Onyeke Phillip, SSA on Youth Mobilization, Chief Othuke Othunareka, SSA Youth Development, Comr, Stanley A Oduaga, SA Youth Development, Onaimor E. Great, SA Youth Mobilization, Engr Egwerome Omamuzo Kingsley, SA Youth Development, Evans E. Job
SA Youth Development, Oboba Ighorojo Festus (AKA blackky), SA Youth Mobilization.

The Executive Chairman of Isoko South Local Government, Hon. Warri Ovoke, emphasised the potential of agriculture to create employment. He encouraged the youths to develop entrepreneurial skills and innovation to drive economic independence.

A special goodwill message from Prince Barr. Adekunle Adebayo, represented by Mr. Mark Adebayo, underscored the importance of political advocacy. He urged youths to actively participate in shaping their communities through strategic engagement and collaboration

Adebayo stressed that political advocacy is not limited to politics but also encompasses social and economic issues, highlighting the need for Isoko youths to be actively engaged in shaping the future of their communities. He urged the youths to collaborate, build alliances, and leverage their collective strength to drive positive change and promote the sustainable development of Delta State.

High Chief Eta Enahoro, MD/CEO of Skyward Resources, delivered a keynote speech on “Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: Uniting for Political Change and Economic Independence through Agriculture.” He encouraged youths to shift their focus from political appointments to leveraging the fertile lands in Isoko for large-scale farming of crops like pepper, maise, and tomatoes.

Enahoro also offered free internship training on his farm, emphasising that economic empowerment comes from agricultural self-sufficiency.

He also volunteered to train Isoko Youth on internships for free on his farm, saying that Political Appointments without adding a well-meaning business can’t make our Isoko Youth economically independent. He spoke on unity of purpose for all Isoko Youth to have one mindset of developing our Nation through a collective effort.

The conference featured engaging panel discussions on Youth Political Advocacy featuring Barr. Okolo Hessington Chimennma, Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Bello, and Hon. Barr. Esievo Orezi. The panellists stressed the need for collaboration, resilience, and giving back to the community.

Barr. Valentine Arenyeka, Commissioner for Agriculture (represented by Mr. Orherhe Efe), and Mr. IKPE MARVEL, HOD Agriculture, Isoko South, also spoke on agriculture as a catalyst for economic empowerment. The speakers assured continued government support for agricultural initiatives.

The conference ended with remarks from various stakeholders, who commended the organisers for a successful event and urged the youths to take the lessons learned seriously. The open remarks session allowed participants to share their thoughts, feedback, and suggestions for future conferences.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including representatives from the Delta State Government, local government officials, and industry leaders. Chief Othuke Otunumeruke, SSA on Youth Development, delivered the closing prayers, thanking all stakeholders for their commitment to youth empowerment.

The Isoko Youth Conference successfully equipped participants with the tools needed for sustainable economic growth, reinforcing the vital role of agriculture and political unity in Delta State’s development.

Source: Vanguard