The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has called on youths in the Niger Delta region, to avoid being lured into engaging in violence during the March 11, 2023 Governorship and National Assembly elections.
The NDDC’s Delta State Director, Engr Stephen Ogheweare, made the call yesterday in Warri, while declaring open a workshop against electoral violence, which was organised by a non-governmental organization, Pageant and Events Development Initiative (PEDI).
Ogheweare commended the youths for their peaceful composure during the registration and accreditation process and encouraged them to always take decisions that would affect their future positively.
He applauded PEDI for a well organized workshop and prayed that the messages of non-violence will be sent across the state by the participants.
In his presentation, the lead resource person, Barrister Raymond Okorefe, stated that the essence of elections is to choose a candidate from the pool of candidates vying for an office to represent the people and not a battle of supremacy.
While admitting that the electioneering process in Nigeria has fallen below expectations, Okorefe reminded the participants of the legal, economical and emotional consequences of electoral violence.
He said there was the need for them to avoid being used by desperate Politicians to perpetrate violence against their own.
Earlier in his remarks, PEDI spokesman, Robinson Akpu, thanked the NDDC for supporting programmes designed to change the narrative and encouraged the youths to seek the grooming of skills that would empower them as well as chart a pathway out of idleness.
Akpu reminded the participants of the need to focus on developing their potentials, that life is a journey and whatever skills are developed even through pains will become beneficial along the journey of life.
