16/08/2026
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026: ENODEH REAFFIRMS DELTA GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, INCLUSION, DEVELOPMENT
...MINISTRY TO ANNOUNCE DATES FOR STATEWIDE CELEBRATION SOON
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Delta State, Hon. Barr. Oyinkuro Brave Enodeh, has felicitated with young people across Delta State and Nigeria on the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, reaffirming the commitment of the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive, prosper and contribute meaningfully to the development of the State.
International Youth Day provides an opportunity for governments, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to recognise the enormous contributions of young people to social, economic and political development, while drawing attention to the challenges and opportunities confronting them. The United Nations observes the day every year on August 12.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, Hon. Enodeh described the youth as the strength, energy and future of Delta State, noting that the State’s development aspirations could only be fully realised when young people are empowered with the right skills, opportunities, mentorship and platforms to participate actively in governance and economic development.
The Commissioner said the celebration was particularly significant as it provides an avenue to reflect on the progress made in youth development, identify existing gaps and strengthen collective efforts towards building a generation of productive, innovative, responsible and self-reliant young Deltans.
According to him, the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori administration places strong emphasis on human capital development, economic empowerment, inclusiveness and creating opportunities for citizens, especially young people, to acquire the skills and support required to become productive contributors to society.
Hon. Enodeh further stated that the Ministry of Youth Development under his leadership would continue to work closely with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, youth organisations, private-sector players, development partners and other stakeholders to advance programmes and policies capable of improving the welfare and socio-economic wellbeing of young people in the State.
He noted that youth development must go beyond occasional empowerment initiatives, stressing the need for sustained interventions in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, employment creation, education, leadership development, innovation, technology, sports, agriculture, creative industries and civic participation.
The Commissioner also called on young Deltans to take advantage of available opportunities, remain committed to personal development, embrace entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, shun criminality and violence, and position themselves as responsible partners in the development of their communities and the State, urging youth leaders and organisations across the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State to continue to promote peace, unity, inclusiveness and constructive engagement, assuring them that the Ministry remains open to ideas and partnerships that will advance the interests and aspirations of young people.
DELTA STATE CELEBRATION
The Honourable Commissioner disclosed that the Delta State Ministry of Youth Development is making arrangements to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day with young people and relevant stakeholders across the State.
He stated that the specific dates, venue and programme of activities for the Delta State celebration will be announced soon, urging young people, youth organisations, stakeholders and the general public to look forward to the official announcement from the Ministry.
Hon. Enodeh said the forthcoming celebration would provide an opportunity for young people to interact, share ideas, showcase their talents and innovations, and engage with policymakers and other stakeholders on issues affecting their development and future.
He assured young Deltans that the Ministry under his leadership would continue to prioritise programmes that promote youth inclusion, empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship, leadership and meaningful participation in governance and community development.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to the development of young people and for providing the necessary support and direction towards achieving the objectives of the Ministry.
He also called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, private-sector organisations, development partners and youth-focused organisations to continue to support government efforts aimed at unlocking the potential of young people.
MESSAGE TO DELTA YOUTHS
Hon. Enodeh congratulated all young Deltans on International Youth Day and encouraged them to believe in themselves, acquire relevant skills, pursue excellence and remain positive contributors to society.
According to him, “the future of Delta State belongs to all of us, and our young people have a critical role to play in building the Delta State we desire. I urge every young Deltan to believe in their potential, embrace opportunities, develop their skills and remain committed to peace, hard work, innovation and responsible citizenship.”
He reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Youth Development to working with young people and stakeholders to build a youth development framework that is inclusive, sustainable, participatory and responsive to the changing needs of young Deltans.
The Commissioner therefore wished young people across Delta State and Nigeria a happy and impactful International Youth Day 2026, assuring them that the Ministry would continue to champion policies and initiatives that place young people at the centre of the State’s development agenda.
The dates and full programme of activities for the Delta State 2026 International Youth Day celebration will be announced shortly by the Ministry of Youth Development.