In a peaceful and well-coordinated exercise, Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State has elected a new set of youth executives to pilot the affairs of the Ogwashi-Uku Community Youth Association for the next tenure.
Mr. Bobby Ugba emerged as the President of the Ogwashi-Uku Community Youth after a transparent and credible election process that was widely accepted by stakeholders.
The historic election was held at the revered Obi’s Royal Palace, Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, and was conducted in an atmosphere of peace, unity and brotherhood.
The election was witnessed by the Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Oyinkuro Brave Enodeh, in company of top officials and staff of the Ministry of Youth Development.
Also present to witness the election were Prince Onyema Okonjo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Mr Ossai Ovie Success, Mr Ojighodovwan Emmanuel, Mr Okeleke Peter Ebuka Petrokem, palace chiefs, youth leaders, and other critical stakeholders of the kingdom.
Addressing the mammoth crowd of youths and community leaders, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Brave Enodeh, commended the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom for conducting a peaceful election and for maintaining law and order over the years.
He reiterated the commitment of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration to youth development, empowerment and inclusion in governance.
“I am one of you. I stand with you. My responsibility is to ensure that every youth is happy and is well taken care of. My duty is to see that youths are progressive.
“I am happy that Obi invited me to witness the Ogwashi-Uku youth election. Every youth body must be registered with the Ministry of Youth Development. This youth election is legal; the Ogwashi-Uku Town Youth Association has fulfilled all their requirements with the ministry. The youth body is of good character.
“We are already in the heat of campaign. As we approach the 2027 general election, all we want is for you all to support the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates. Voting for them is voting for a better future.”
He continued: “As a youth, be good ambassadors of the kingdom and the state, and avoid violence. Embrace peace building and community development.”
Barr. Brave also urged the newly elected executives to be inclusive, transparent, and to carry all youths along irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that youth leadership is about service and not personal gain.
Speaking on behalf of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, His Royal Majesty Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, Prince Onyema Okonjo welcomed the Commissioner and his entourage to the kingdom.
“On behalf of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, we welcome you to Ogwashi-Uku. We are deeply touched. Your visit today shows that the Delta State Government takes Ogwashi-Uku seriously.
“Ogwashi-Uku is your home. The youths over the years have been law-abiding, and they will continue to be law-abiding. The palace will continue to support any initiative that will promote peace and development in our kingdom.”
Prince Okonjo commended Governor Oborevwori for his youth-friendly policies and for appointing a vibrant youth commissioner who understands the challenges of young people.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing President of the Ogwashi-Uku Youth Association, Comrade Stanley Chiedu, expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government, the Obi-in-Council and the youths of Ogwashi-Uku for their support during his tenure.
He said: “The youths are grateful to the Delta State Government for graciously witnessing this election. We appreciate the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku for providing a level playing field.
“The youths of Ogwashi-Uku will do everything possible to ensure there is harmony in Ogwashi-Uku. We will support the new executives to succeed.”
He urged the incoming administration to prioritise peace-building skill acquisition and unity of the kingdom.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected President, Mr. Bobby Ugba, thanked the youths for the confidence reposed in him and promised to run an inclusive and result-oriented administration.
He pledged to work closely with the Obi’s Palace, the Delta State Government, and security agencies to maintain peace and to attract youth empowerment programmes to the kingdom.
The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Mr Ossai Ovie Success, and Mr. Ojighodovwan Emmanuel congratulated the newly elected executives and charged them to be worthy ambassadors of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
They described the election as a model for other youth bodies in the state, noting that the Oborevwori administration is committed to building a new Delta where youths are productive and law-abiding.
The election ended with prayers for the peace and progress of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and Delta State at large.
