Isoko Youths Urged to Embrace Agriculture for Economic Independence

The Isoko Youth Conference, organized by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) and Special Assistant (SA) to the Governor of Delta State, was a groundbreaking event that brought together the brightest minds and most ambitious young people from across Isoko Nation. Held on Wednesday 5th of March at the Delta State University, Faculty of Law Hall, Oleh Campus. The conference aimed to foster political unity and agricultural empowerment among Isoko youths, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to drive positive change and sustainable development in their communities.

Mr. Uyero Erarawewho Junior, Special Assistant on Youth Mobilization and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, welcomed guests, speakers, and Isoko youths to the conference. In his address, he emphasized the importance of unity and agriculture in empowering Isoko youths to become independent, self-sufficient, and contributing to the development of society. He admonished the participants to listened attentively because the Speakers are here to do Justice to the topics at impacting knowledge to them.

He also thanked the SSA and SA for their tireless efforts in making the conference a success, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to the development and empowerment of Isoko youths which includes: 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.

Hon. Warri Ovoke, Executive Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, delivered a Goodwill Message urging the youths to take agriculture seriously, as it’s the key to becoming employers of labor. He pledged to support the youths in their agricultural endeavors, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation, and hard work in achieving economic independence.

Mr. Mark Adebayo, representing Prince Barr. Adekunle Adebayo, who is a Special Guest gave a Goodwill Message emphasized the importance of Isoko youths harnessing their power in political advocacy. He noted that the youth hold incredible potential and must identify pressing issues affecting their communities, develop actionable solutions, and advocate for positive change.

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 sustainable development.

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, ably represented by Commissioner of Youth Development, Barr. ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei, thanked the organizers of the program for bringing the Isoko Youth together and providing knowledge on Politics and Agriculture to make the youths useful to themselves and society.

He lent his voice to the urging the Isoko youths to take farming seriously, as it was what Isoko was known for. He pleaded with the youths to revive farming in Isoko and take Isoko back to farming, which they are known for.
The Governor assured the youths that the Ministry of Youth will partner with them to assist them in any areas they’re finding difficulties.

He revealed that he had discussed at length with the Commissioner for Agriculture, who assured him that they will do more agricultural empowerment for Delta Youths. He advised the Isoko youths to take advantage of the program to prepare themselves for the 1 billion revolving funds he has approve for Delta State Small Medium Enterprise Development Agency and Bank of Industry including other programs across the State run by Job Creation Office, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Humanitarian, Community Development Service and Girl Child among others. He officially declared the event open.

High Chief Eta Enahoro, MD/CEO of Skyward Resources, delivered a keynote address on Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: Uniting for Political Change and Economic Independence through Agriculture. He stressed the need for Isoko youths to shift their focus from relying on political appointments to exploring agricultural opportunities, highlighting the vast fertile lands in Isoko that can be leveraged for farming, particularly pepper, maize, tomatoes production and other crops.

High Chief Enahoro emphasized that agriculture is not only a viable means of achieving economic independence but also a crucial sector for driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving food security. He advised the youths to acquire knowledge and skills in farming, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and resilience in overcoming the challenges associated with agricultural entrepreneurship.

He also volunteered to train Isoko Youth in his farm on internship for free, 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 an interactive panel discussion, where participants shared insights and ideas on how to harness the power of youth in political advocacy. The discussion was moderated by a seasoned journalist and featured a panel of experts, including Barr. Okolo Hessington Chimennma, Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Bello, and Hon. Barr. Esievo Orezi.

Barr. Okolo Hessington Chimennma emphasized the need for collaboration among youths to harness their numbers for political purposes. Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Love advised the youths to be hardworking and recognize the importance of giving back to their communities before venturing into politics.

Hon. Barr. Esievo Orezi commended the keynote speaker and urged the youths to take the lecture seriously. She emphasized the importance of passion, experience, and overcoming challenges in achieving success, particularly in agriculture.

The second panel discussion was on Agriculture as a catalyst for economic empowerment, featuring Barr. Valentine Arenyeka, Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and the HOD Agriculture Isoko South, MR. IKPE MARVEL.

Barr. Val Arenyeka, the Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by Mr. Orherhe Efe, said the Ministry of Agriculture is proud of the SSA and SA for putting up the conference for Isoko youths and for giving them knowledge, especially about agriculture.

He assured the Isoko youths that the Ministry will always partner with them to empower them after putting the knowledge gained into practical use. He commended all the keynote speakers for sharing their knowledge with the Isoko youths. The Head of Department, Agriculture in Isoko South MR. IKPE MARVEL highlighted projects being done at the local government and those being proposed and how Isoko youth can key into their programs to benefit.

The conference came to a close with remarks from various stakeholders, who commended the organizers for a successful event and urged the youths to take the lessons learned seriously. The open remarks session provided an opportunity for participants to share their thoughts, feedback, and suggestions for future conferences.

The Isoko Youth Conference was a resounding success, empowering Isoko youths with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to drive positive change and sustainable development in their communities. The conference highlighted the importance of agriculture, entrepreneurship, innovation, and hard work in achieving economic independence and reducing poverty.

As the youths return to their communities, they are equipped with a renewed sense of purpose, passion, and commitment to driving positive change and promoting sustainable development. The conference was a testament to the power of youth and the importance of investing in their development and empowerment. A draft report was read highlighting the next space of action by the SSA/SA on the One Friend, One Community, One Isoko Business Initiative (OFOCOIBI) and the Isoko Political Unity Visit (IPUV) of the Ward to Ward by the SSA/SA

Chief Othuke Otunumeruke, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Governor, Commissioner of Agriculture, and all the speakers for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the youth conference. He appreciated their efforts in imparting valuable knowledge to the youths, which will have a lasting impact on their lives. Chief Othuke also offered the closing prayers, wishing all dignitaries and youths a safe return to their respective destinations.

The conference was attended by dignitaries, including the Governor of Delta State, RT. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner of Youth Development, Barr. ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei, Barr. Val Arenyeka; the Commissioner of Agriculture ably represented by Mr. Orherhe Efe, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday; Isoko South local government Chairman, Hon. Orize Esievo, Executive Director Legal BIR, Mrs. Shimite Love, Special Adviser Trade and Export, Comrade Hessington Okolo, State PDP Legal Adviser, Hon Evans Egbo, Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Eniwake Orogun, President Isoko National Youth Assembly, Chief Fedilis Utomudo, SSA Political and President Isoko Youth Frontier, Kelly, Vice President Ijaw National Youth Council Westen Zone and many other dignitaries too numerous to mentioned.