The President of the Gbaramatu Youth Council (GYC) Worldwide in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Shadrach Ebikeme, who turns plus one on Friday, January 5, 2024, has used the occasion of his Birth Anniversary to send an inspirational message of hope to the youths as part of his New Year broadcast, as well as appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to give priority to the engagement and empowerment of the youths.

Hon. Ebikeme, a former SSA to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Community Development, charged the youths of Gbaramatu Kingdom and in the state at large to embrace unity and to develop a positive mindset towards challenges, while acknowledging the roles other leaders have played that contributed to the success of the youth body (GYC).

Below is a text of the full speech as issued and signed by the GYC President in Warri on Friday. Excerpt:

"I give thanks to the Almighty God for the gift of life and for the grace to mark yet another Birth Anniversary. I also thank my beloved wife, children, other family members, friends and associates, who, over the years, have been very supportive and instrumental in what I have become today. Yet, the journey continues.

"Looking back 10 years ago, where I was and where I am now, by the special grace of the Almighty God, I have every reason to be THANKFUL. And what's more? That it is evident that my life (though I'm not the only one) should be a means of motivation to others; a motivation that, besides trusting God, having passion in the pursuit of our dreams and working hard to achieve them, is the key to success.

"The times are hard I know, but there was never a time that it has been easy. Even since the Creator created humanity it has not been easy for Him to rule over them. And so, rather than complain over unpleasant situations, the youths should choose to seek out opportunities that lie in every challenge! And that is the most difficult truth the youths don't want to hear. Sadly, there is no opportunity without a challenge.

"Therefore I charge the youths, that, as we make inroad into the New Year they should stay positive; they should never allow the ugly situations of life blind their good sense of reasoning or judgement. They should stay focus on the target (their dreams) and never give up. That is the prize they have to pay. Any other prize is a deception. I bet you that if the youths will synchronize their thoughts toward this, the New Year 2024 will be a launchpad to their successes!

"As a leader, I have come to the understanding that it is very easy to criticize those who lead than it is easy to preach what we practice. As Jesus Christ once said, "Let him that is without sin cast the first stone." But these days, those casting stones are worst than those they criticize. And that is where the problem lies. I believe that when we are truthful to ourselves, half of our problems would have been solved.

"As President of the Gbaramatu Youth Council (GYC) Worldwide, I am calling on our youths to unite, which is the key to our growth as individual youth and collectively as an umbrella body. Let us cast aside our differences and for the love of our constituency join hands together and with others to build today for tomorrow, so that, as predecessors, we would have built a lasting legacy for the next generation of youths in our kingdom.

"And talking about the future, today (January 5, 2024) was once a future years ago, but today we are living in that future. What does this mean? It is that the FUTURE is NOW! This is the future. So, no need to wait for tomorrow. Work hard to build your today which is what is guaranteed you by His grace. In other words, it is our input today that can guarantee a better tomorrow but we need to live for today by doing what is required of us to build that better tomorrow.

"That being said, I thank His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II (JP), Aketekpe, Agadagba, the great Pere of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom and members of the Gbaramatu Kingdom Traditional Council of Chiefs for their fatherly roles, prayers and blessings. May God increases your wisdom, knowledge and understanding, Amen.

"I use this opportunity to also appreciate our indefatigable Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chief Elder Francis Sheriff Oborevwori (JP), for starting very well and for the good job he has been doing in his desire to deliver on his MORE Agenda to Deltans. I am also appealing to the governor to use his good office in carrying the youths along.

"Lastly, I hereby express my appreciation to my fellow GYC executive members and members of parliament for their support and contributions in moving the youth body forward. We all did it and I am grateful to you all. Also, to the general assembly I salute you all and thank you for the opportunity given to us to preside over the affairs of the youth body.

"I thank you all for your time in reading my message just as I congratulate everyone who made it to the New Year. Happy Birthday to myself and thank you in advance to all those that will celebrate me on this occasion. It is my sincere prayers that the Almighty God will elevate you and raise men and women of substance to honour you at your set time. God bless us all in Jesus name, Amen."

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