A new move to unite the youths of Isoko Nation in Delta State has started, with the aim of transforming the hitherto sharply divided youths into a strong force for rapid development of the oil rich land that is currently considered highly marginalized and underdeveloped.
Towards achieving this aim, representative leaders of Isoko youths from all over Nigeria, met in Ughelli, last Sunday, June 30, 2024, defied political persuasions and divisions, and held a hybrid Conference, convened by Hon Chief Fidelis Utomudo and the motivator of the meeting, New Jersey, United States of America (USA)-based Physician and medical Advocate, Dr. Nelson Aluya.
The purpose of the crucial meeting was to brainstorm on the way forward for their place of birth. The youths also came together to strategize on how to unite the different groups of Isoko youths and work towards putting in place, among others, education and skills acquisition programs and employment schemes, and generally, create political awareness and representative leadership for Isoko land as well as fashion out how to engage their representatives for responsible stewardship to the people of Isoko Nation.
According to a source that was part of the meeting, the youths lamented that their current political leaders have not been prioritizing their well being, but have only acknowledged their existence during election periods when many of them are used as political tools and dumped immediately after the elections.
They noted that their homeland, which accounts for more than 65 per cent of the crude oil produced in Delta State, is very backward in terms of development in every area of life, stressing that this is largely because their leaders have, so far, been myopic and self serving, using divide and rule tactics to keep them, and the nation as a whole, down.
According to the source, the youths insisted that the backwardness of Isoko Nation is evident in the lack of tangible representation at both the state and national levels, which has had great negative impact in terms of lack of employment and other opportunities for the people, especially the youths, leading to incidents of violence, truancy, engagement in advance fee fraud (419) and such other forms of deviant behaviour.
Amidst singing of praise and worship songs to the Almighty God, the youths agreed to shun in-fighting, divisions and all forms of conflict and work together, concentrating only on what would bring peace, development and progress to Isoko land.
They admitted that without knowing it, they had all along been looking out for an anchor, a motivator without ulterior motives, who would bring them together to pursue the noble goal of a greater Isoko nation, and as one, they thanked and commended Dr. Aluya for mobilising them without thinking of political or other personal gains, but whose ultimate goals are to bring peace and development as well as create the template for great mentorship and leadership in Isoko land.
