2027: South South Youths Must Move from The Sidelines To The Decision-Making Table — NDC South South Zonal Coordinator

The newly appointed South South Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Wing, Comrade Amele Ternar Opine, has pledged to provide purposeful leadership, strengthen the party's youth structure across the region, and mobilise young people towards securing victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview following his appointment, Opine described the confidence reposed in him by the leadership of the party as both an honour and a call to greater service.

"I feel honoured and humbled by this trust. It is a huge responsibility, but also a rare opportunity to serve. The South South is blessed with vibrant and talented young people, and I see this appointment as an opportunity to give them a stronger voice within the NDC and in nation-building. I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I am fully prepared to work," he said.

Outlining his immediate priorities, the zonal coordinator stressed that his administration would focus on building a formidable youth structure capable of driving the party's objectives ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, his first steps will include embarking on a listening tour across the six South South states to engage youth leaders, establishing a comprehensive database of NDC youth members, strengthening state and local government executives, and promoting unity within the party.

"What motivated me to accept this assignment is my belief that young people must move from being talked about to being at the decision-making table. The NDC needs an active, organised youth base to achieve success in 2027," he stated.

On fostering unity across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States, Opine disclosed plans to establish a South South Youth Working Committee comprising representatives from each state.

He explained that quarterly zonal meetings, a unified communication platform, and joint programmes would ensure that every state remains actively involved while respecting each state's unique circumstances.

"Our goal is simple—one zone, one agenda," he said.

Speaking on youth mobilisation, Opine emphasised that the NDC Youth Wing would leverage digital platforms alongside grassroots engagement to connect with young people.

He revealed plans to strengthen the party's presence on social media platforms such as TikTok, X, and WhatsApp, introduce campus ambassador programmes, organise community-based skills initiatives, encourage greater youth participation in governance, and intensify voter education campaigns to promote Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration and collection.

Addressing the challenge of youth unemployment, the zonal coordinator said his office would champion practical solutions through strategic partnerships and policy advocacy.

He disclosed plans to collaborate with agencies such as the NDDC, SMEDAN, and private sector organisations to provide skills development opportunities in technology, agriculture, maritime, and the creative economy while advocating for increased youth inclusion in government appointments, contracts, and empowerment programmes.

He also pledged to monitor existing youth programmes to ensure they deliver tangible benefits to young people in the South South.

On programmes expected under his leadership, Opine announced several initiatives to be implemented within his first year in office.

These include the South South Youth Skills Bootcamp to provide training in technology, agribusiness, and creative industries across the six states; the NDC Youth Connect, a monthly town hall engagement between party leaders and young people; the Green and Blue Economy Project, aimed at creating opportunities in climate action, aquaculture, and renewable energy; and a Political School designed to train at least 500 young campaigners and future political leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

While acknowledging that funding constraints, internal divisions, and political apathy among young people could pose significant challenges, Opine expressed confidence that these obstacles could be overcome through strategic partnerships, dialogue, fairness, and the delivery of visible programmes that restore confidence in youth participation.

"The way to rebuild trust is by delivering results. We will focus on practical achievements through training, mentorship, and genuine inclusion so that young people can see that the NDC Youth Wing truly works for them," he said.

Delivering his closing message, the South South Zonal Coordinator called on party supporters and youths across the region to unite in preparation for the 2027 elections.

"To NDC supporters, the youth are ready to work. Give us the necessary support and opportunity, and we will deliver the votes. To the youths of the South South, this is our time. Do not remain on the sidelines. Join the NDC Youth Wing, obtain your Permanent Voter Card, develop valuable skills, and let us work together to build the South South and the Nigeria we all desire. The journey to 2027 has already begun, and now is the time to organise," he concluded.