Leghemo Pledges Youth Empowerment, Says Southern Ijaw Cannot Prosper While Youths Are Left Behind
Diepreye Abaye Leghemo (DAL), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called for greater investment in youth empowerment, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, declaring that the constituency cannot achieve meaningful development while its young people are left behind.
Leghemo said the greatest resource of Southern Ijaw was not limited to its land and natural wealth but also included the talent, creativity, energy and determination of its people, particularly the youths.
He expressed concern that many young people in the constituency continued to struggle to realise their ambitions due to limited access to opportunities, despite possessing the skills and potential to contribute to the development of their communities.
According to him, addressing the challenges confronting young people requires practical interventions that go beyond promises and encouragement.
He stressed the need for increased access to vocational training, entrepreneurship support, employment opportunities, mentorship and platforms that would enable young people to participate actively in the economic and social development of Southern Ijaw.
Leghemo maintained that young people should have the opportunity to pursue their ambitions regardless of their backgrounds, adding that deliberate efforts must be made to create an environment where their potential can translate into productivity and sustainable livelihoods.
He also emphasised the importance of involving youths in decision-making and governance, noting that they should not be treated merely as future leaders but as important partners in building a prosperous constituency in the present.
“Our youths are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are valuable partners in building a better Southern Ijaw today,” he said.
The NDC candidate called on stakeholders to support initiatives that would transform the aspirations of young people into tangible opportunities, insisting that youth development must remain a priority in the constituency's development agenda.
He expressed optimism that empowering young people would strengthen the local economy, encourage innovation and create pathways for sustainable development across Southern Ijaw.
As part of his political appeal, Leghemo urged voters to support the NDC in the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency election scheduled for January 16, 2027, saying their participation at the ballot would be crucial to determining the constituency's future.
He called on residents to join him in pursuing a development agenda that places youth empowerment, opportunity and inclusive growth at the centre of Southern Ijaw's progress.
Leghemo is seeking election to represent Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of the NDC.
