The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Delta State Chapter, has honoured the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as a Living Legend for his outstanding contributions to youth development during his tenure.
The recognition was bestowed upon him during the 2025 International Youth Week Celebration, themed “Empowering the Youths; Building the Future,” held in Asaba, the State Capital.
Dr. Okowa called on Nigerian youths to take responsibility for their future, embracing hard work, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership even as he shared his personal journey, highlighting how local youths persuaded him to join politics in his early 30s, which ultimately led to his becoming the pioneer executive chairman of Ika North East local government at 31.
The former governor praised the NYCN Delta Chapter for rekindling hope among young people and commended Prof. Engr. Hilary Owamah’s keynote address, which called for moral-driven leadership and personal development. Okowa emphasized that building the youth is not just a government duty, but young people must also be willing to develop their inner strength and values.
The former Governor highlighted his administration’s achievements, including the establishment of three new universities, which he noted helped bridge the gap in tertiary education access.
He gave reasons for the establishment of the universities and said that with over 22,000 qualified applicants but only 4,800 admission slots in 2018, the need for expanded access to tertiary education became urgent maintaining that the universities have since helped bridge the gap, with current student populations nearing 20,000 and 95% program accreditation achieved.
The former governor thanked his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for sustaining the vision rather than scaling it down. “In another 10 to 20 years, we will look back and realize how revolutionary this was,” he said.
On the state of the nation, Okowa addressed the economic difficulties faced by many Nigerians, stating that years of living under subsidy-driven illusions have created unrealistic expectations. “We were made to believe Nigeria is rich, and now we grumble as if the pain of reform is not necessary. But like China, we must go through pain to get to progress,” he noted.
Dr. Okowa concluded by calling on NYCN leaders to collaborate more with local government councils and raise bold, youth-centered proposals at all levels of government. He also encouraged young appointees to speak up at Executive Council meetings and advocate for policies that directly benefit youths.
“Let us stay committed to nation-building. It will take time and sacrifice, but the gains will come. Nigeria will not go down, as long as we keep hope alive,” he said.
Prof. Engr. Hilary Owamah, the Guest Speaker at the event urged youths to focus on building capacity, maintaining moral integrity, and dismissing the false narrative that education is a scam.
He highlighted the success of youth-focused initiatives like YAGEP and STEPRENEUR under the Okowa administration, noting their direct impact in reducing unemployment across the state.
In his goodwill message, Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, congratulated the State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on the occasion of the 2025 International Youth Week celebration
He described the theme of the event, Empowering The Youths; Building The Future as “both timely and apt, highlighting the crucial role young people play in shaping our collective future.”
Chinye expressed excitement about the initiative, which he noted provided a platform for youths to brainstorm with distinguished guests at the event.
The renowned Council boss commended the NYCN’s decision to honour the former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as the Living Legend of Delta State Youths.
“His leadership and contributions to the state’s development are truly worthy of recognition,” Hon. Chinye said.
He wished the NYCN Delta Chapter all the best as they embarked on the celebration and prayed that it would inspire and empower youths to become future leaders. “May this event foster collaboration, innovation, and progress in our great state,” he prayed.
