BY EBI NIEKETIEN
THE Delta State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ambassador Kenneth Okorie, has raised the alarm over the growing moral decay among Nigerian youths, stressing the urgent need for collective action to reform their values and mindset.
Speaking during the official flag-off of the 2025 International Youth Week Celebration in Asaba, Okorie lamented that the virtues of hard work, dignity, and integrity have been replaced by desperation for quick wealth, internet fraud, ritual killings, drug abuse, alcoholism, and the rising culture of “hookups” among young people.
Themed “Empowering the Youths, Building the Future,” the weeklong celebration, which runs from August 6 to 12, is designed to refocus the attention of youths on productive ventures and nation-building.
‘’What is happening to our youths? Why this desperation for quick wealth? What happened to hard work, integrity and dignity? We struggle to find a tiler but rather we bring in people from Togo, why? Because most of our youths do not want to learn skills anymore. Most of our youths prefer questionable wealth to education. Many of them are deeply rooted in hookups.’’ He lamented.
He stressed that while the NYCN remains a statutory voice for young Nigerians, the scale of the crisis requires joint efforts from government, parents, stakeholders, and well-meaning individuals, stakeholders and private sectors players.
“The Council is ready but needs more responsive partnership to reformat the mindset of our youths. Through such concerted effort, youths will realize their objectives of ensuring that the unorganized is being organized.” he added.
As part of the celebration, the Council will embark on visits to orphanage homes and the Okere Correctional Centre, host a seminar on drug abuse, and organize a football competition between NYCN local government chapters and the state executive team.
A major highlight of the flag-off ceremony was the decoration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as Grand Patron of the Delta State Youth Council, and immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as Living Legend of Delta State Youths in recognition of their contributions to youth development.
