A new chapter has opened for the youth of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State following the peaceful conclusion of a youth election and the Delta State Government’s subsequent recognition of the newly elected leadership.
The election, held at the Royal Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, produced Comrade Chiedu Bobby Ugbah as President-General after he polled 64 votes against 36 votes recorded by his opponent.
The exercise was witnessed by the Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Barr. Oyinkuro Brave Enodeh, alongside officials of the Ministry of Youth Development and other stakeholders.
Following the conclusion of the process, the relevant Certificate of Recognition has now been issued to the new leadership, bringing the electoral process to a successful conclusion and clearing the way for the executives to begin the work of uniting and advancing the interests of Ogwashi-Uku youth.
Speaking following the recognition, Ugbah expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government and pledged that his administration would focus on reconciliation, youth empowerment, development and peace.
“This recognition is not a victory for Bobby Ugbah or for any particular group. It is a victory for the entire youth of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. The elections are over, and the responsibility before us now is to bring everybody together and get to work.”
He thanked the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Barr. Oyinkuro Brave Enodeh, for the State Government’s commitment to an orderly youth leadership process.
Ugbah also expressed appreciation to HRM Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, describing the traditional ruler as a father to the entire Ogwashi-Uku community and thanking the Palace for providing an environment in which the youth could peacefully choose their leadership.
The new President-General pledged to align the aspirations of Ogwashi-Uku youth with the development opportunities of the State Government and ensure that young people in the Kingdom benefit from the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security.
“We intend to move very quickly. Our young people need opportunities, skills, jobs and a voice in the development of their community. We will engage the State Government, the Local Government, the private sector and our sons and daughters across Nigeria and in the diaspora to attract opportunities and development to Ogwashi-Uku.”
He said peace and security would remain central to the new administration’s programme, noting that sustainable investment and employment could only flourish in a stable community.
Ugbah Extends Hand of Fellowship to Opponents
In a significant reconciliation gesture, the President-General assured those who contested against him and those who supported other candidates that there would be room for them to contribute to the new administration.
“I have already said that nobody should consider himself a loser. Those who contested and those who supported them are our brothers and sisters. They have ideas, experience and something to contribute. We will find ways of accommodating people and drawing on their strengths because the success of this administration must be the success of everyone.”
He added that the new leadership would not allow differences arising from the election to become permanent divisions among Ogwashi-Uku youth.
“We cannot develop Ogwashi-Uku by fighting one another. The election was one day; our responsibility to our community continues every day. My message to everybody is simple: come, let us work together.”
Community Leaders Welcome Fresh Start
Community stakeholders have also welcomed the peaceful conclusion of the electoral process, describing the emergence of the new leadership as an opportunity for reconciliation and renewed youth participation in the development of Ogwashi-Uku.
They expressed particular satisfaction that the election was conducted peacefully in the presence of the Commissioner for Youth Development and officials of the Ministry, with no major security incident disrupting the exercise.
The Commissioner had commended the peaceful conduct of the election and urged the new leadership to embrace unity, inclusiveness and responsible leadership while working for the collective interests of Ogwashi-Uku youth.
For community stakeholders, the immediate priority is now to move beyond the electoral contest and allow the new executives to concentrate on programmes capable of improving opportunities for young people.
Focus Shifts to Development
Ugbah said his administration would shortly begin consultations with different sections of the youth, community leaders, professionals, business people and other stakeholders to develop a practical programme for its tenure.
Employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, skills acquisition, education, sports, community development, security, youth inclusion and constructive engagement with government are expected to feature prominently.
He also pledged to build a respectful working relationship with the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, the Obi-in-Council, Delta State Government and other constituted authorities while maintaining an administration open to ideas from young people across the Kingdom.
“Our generation must be remembered for what we built, not for disagreements. We have an opportunity for a fresh beginning, and I intend to use it to unite our youth and make Ogwashi-Uku a stronger, safer and more prosperous community.”
With the election concluded and the new executives moving into office, attention is now expected to shift from electoral competition to reconciliation and the task of delivering tangible opportunities for the youth.
The new President-General said that would be the defining objective of his administration.
