The Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, has commended the leadership of Soft Nigeria for mobilising young Nigerians to take up leadership responsibilities, stressing the importance of youth participation in governance and national development.
Ehiwarior stated this when the Delta State leadership of Soft Nigeria, led by Sylvester Oghenetevwe, paid him a courtesy visit at the Ika South Local Government Secretariat, Agbor.
The Chairman said he was particularly encouraged by the growing political consciousness among young people and their willingness to take up leadership responsibilities.
“I love the fact that our youths are taking up leadership responsibilities. Politics is for everybody, and I am glad that the consciousness is growing,” he said.
Ehiwarior reaffirmed his commitment to his constituents, saying: “I have always been with my people, and will always identify with them. I will continue to work closely with them for the progress of Ika South.”
He urged the group to intensify its engagement with young Nigerians and communities, particularly in educating them about government policies and programmes capable of improving their lives. He specifically highlighted the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as an important opportunity for young Nigerians seeking access to higher education.
“You should help educate our parents on the amazing job Tinubu is doing to change the fortune of Nigeria, ” he said, pointing to NELFUND as one of the initiatives through which the Federal Government is addressing longstanding challenges in the education sector.
The Chairman said the Federal Government was confronting several challenges that had persisted for decades, noting that the emerging results of the reforms should be properly communicated to the people.
“In the past, the council was unable to pay salaries and meet other obligations. The government is now able to face these decades-long challenges head-on, and they are gradually yielding results. Nigeria is gradually coming out of the woods,” he said.
Ehiwarior encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of NELFUND, particularly because of its interest-free loan structure , describing it as an opportunity that should not be allowed to pass unused.
Turning to developments in Delta State, the Chairman commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as impactful interventions across the state, particularly projects and programmes with direct benefits to the people.
He urged the group to help tell the story of the Governor’s achievements to the people, stressing that the impact of government programmes and projects must be properly communicated so that citizens are aware of what is being done across the state.
He cited the ongoing massive flyover project at Uromi Junction in Agbor, being executed by Julius Berger, noting that construction work was progressing rapidly. He also referenced other ongoing and completed projects across the state, stressing that the administration’ s interventions cut across different age groups, with significant attention to the youth population.
He added that Governor Oborevwori had done much across all age brackets, particularly for the youth population, and urged Soft Nigeria to continue supporting efforts that promote greater awareness of government programmes and opportunities.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Sylvester Oghenetega Anighorigho, said the visit was part of the organisation’s efforts to build stronger relationships with stakeholders and promote inclusive youth participation in governance.
Anighorigho said Soft Nigeria recognised the importance of engaging young people across political and social divides, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
He said the group had followed Ehiwarior’s political ascendancy and development-oriented activities in Ika South, describing him as “the face of Soft Nigeria in Delta State.”
He added that there was considerable work to be done as the 2027 elections draw closer, assuring the Chairman that the organisation was committed to working with him and aligning its activities with his vision for youth inclusion and community development.
