‘Architects Of Change’: Oborevwori Urges African Youths To Take Charge Of Their Future
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged African youths to participate actively in leadership and politics to help shape the continent’s future.
He challenged young people to move beyond complaining about poor governance. Instead, he encouraged them to engage in the political process and drive meaningful change in their communities and countries.
The governor made the call while declaring open the fifth edition of the Social Innovation and Leadership Bootcamp (SILB) Africa 2026 in Asaba. The programme, themed “Architects of Change,” held at Unity Hall, Government House.
Represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, Oborevwori said effective leadership required courage, commitment, selfless service and the ability to turn ideas into practical solutions.
He added that Africa needed innovative young people who could create opportunities, establish sustainable businesses and contribute to community development. Therefore, he stressed the importance of preparing youths to assume leadership responsibilities and address the continent’s challenges.
The governor also linked the initiative to his administration’s MORE Agenda, particularly its focus on youth empowerment, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
To support these objectives, he highlighted the contributions of the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, and the Delta State Innovation Hub. According to him, these initiatives help young people develop practical competencies and pursue economic independence.
Furthermore, Oborevwori cited targeted training programmes, including a recent electric-vehicle workshop for young Deltans. He said such interventions could prepare participants for emerging industries and new employment opportunities.
He also commended the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mentoring and Development, Elvis Akpobi, as well as the bootcamp’s organisers, mentors, facilitators and partners, for investing in the next generation of African leaders.
Earlier, Akpobi explained that the bootcamp aimed to equip young people with the leadership skills, knowledge and exposure needed to contribute to Nigeria’s development and Africa’s progress.
He disclosed that about 50 international delegates were participating in the fifth edition in Asaba. Consequently, he called for more opportunities for young people to influence governance and policymaking.
Akpobi also praised Oborevwori for supporting youth-focused initiatives through the MORE Agenda. He maintained that the governor’s commitment to youth development extended beyond public statements.
Meanwhile, Barr. Eugene Uzum told journalists that sustainable good governance depended partly on whether leaders and other stakeholders recognised young people’s contributions to nation-building.
He described the bootcamp as an effort to nurture patriotic young Africans who could accept responsibility for the continent’s future.
Similarly, Hamzat Lawal, founder of Connected Development, emphasised the need to sustain youth participation in politics and governance. He noted that leadership training remained essential to preparing young Africans for future responsibilities.
