Otiti Calls for Delta Youth Commissioner’s Resignation, Wants Younger, Dynamic Leader

A fresh controversy is brewing in Delta State as GOMEP-NG President Comrade Akpovoke Otiti challenges the appointment of the state’s Youth Development Commissioner, questioning whether the ministry is being led by someone who can truly connect with the aspirations of young people.

Comrade Akpovoke Otiti has called for the resignation of Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, questioning the appointment and urging Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to replace him with a younger and more dynamic leader.

ASABA, DELTA STATE — A fresh controversy has emerged over youth leadership in Delta State after Comrade Akpovoke Otiti criticised the appointment of the state’s Commissioner for Youth Development and called for his resignation.

Otiti questioned the choice of the commissioner, arguing that the Ministry of Youth Development should be led by a younger and more dynamic person who can better understand the challenges, ideas and aspirations of young people.

In a strongly worded statement, Otiti appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to reconsider the appointment. He said the ministry needs a leader who can bring fresh ideas and develop programmes that directly address the needs of Delta youths.

According to Otiti, the appointment has raised questions about the state government’s commitment to youth development and meaningful youth participation in governance.

“How can one present such a man in a gathering of intellectuals and say, ‘This is our Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development in Delta State?’” Otiti asked.

He also compared the current situation with the period when his friend, Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, served in the ministry.

Otiti alleged that youth-focused activities in the state have declined since Egwunyenga left office.

“Since my friend Ifeanyi Egwunyenga left that office, no youth activities have been held in Delta State again,” he alleged.

However, Otiti’s claim represents his assessment of youth activities in the state and was not independently established in his statement.

The GOMEP-NG president maintained that youth affairs require leadership that is closely connected to the realities of young people. He further argued that the ministry should be driven by contemporary ideas, innovation and policies that can create opportunities for the younger population.

He questioned the basis for the appointment and urged Governor Oborevwori to explain the rationale behind the choice.

“On whose choice did you appoint such a person as a commissioner?” Otiti asked.

He said the governor should reconsider the appointment in the interest of Delta youths.

Ultimately, Otiti called on the commissioner to resign, insisting that the Ministry of Youth Development would be better served by a younger and more energetic leader.

The criticism has placed renewed attention on the leadership of youth affairs in Delta State. However, the commissioner and the Delta State Government have not been quoted responding to Otiti’s allegations and criticisms in the statement.