Dr. Paul Boyitie, a lecturer from the Department of Meteorology and Climate Change in the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has re-emphasized the critical role the youths must play as stakeholders of the oil-rich kingdom toward revitalising its economic mainstay by looking beyond crude oil.

The lecturer made the call during a paper presentation titled "Beyond the Oil and Gas: Unleashing the Prospect of Gbaramatu Youths in a Diversifying Economy," which he delivered at the Gbaramatu Youth Council's (GYC) Congress organised by its President, Mr. Egbejule Arerebo Kingsley in Sarabubou community, on Friday, January 24, 2025.

In his lecture, the youth lecturer who is the secretary of Benikrukru community, one of the major communities in the kingdom, while asserting that the oil and gas industry had provided employment opportunities and infrastructural development, however said that "it has also perpetuated dependency and environmental degradation" which he said "underscores the necessity of charting a new course, one that prioritizes diversification."

On ways of diversifying the Gbaramatu economy, he suggested that the youths who are endowed with "untapped potential" should look to the "agribusiness (including fisheries, aquaculture, and cash crop farming)", the creative and cultural industry "which can be monetized through tourism and creative entrepreneurship", and technology and digital innovation to equip the youths “to compete on a global stage.”

Dr. Boyitie listed strategies that the youths should adopt to tap into the opportunities that diversification offers to include "education and skill acquisition", "access to funding and financial inclusion", and "fostering partnerships between government, private sector actors and civil society" which he noted can "provide the necessary infrastructure, mentorship, and market access for youth-led initiatives to thrive".

On the role the youth body can play, Dr. Boyitie hinted that the leadership "can mobilize resources, advocate for policy reforms, and organize capacity-building workshops for youths in the kingdom", citing the example of innovation hubs to be established to "serve as centers for training, mentorship, and incubation of ideas across various sectors" and the Council's partnership "with international development agencies and NGOs to bring global best practices to the Gbaramatu Kingdom."

Personalities in attendance at the Congres are the Ibe Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Sheriff Mulade; the immediate-past president of GYC, Comr. Shadrach Ebikeme; former Speaker of the GYC Mobile Parliament, Barr. Frank Ekpemupolo; a former president of the National Association of Gbaramatu Students (NAGS) and SSA on Special Duties to the Governor, Hon. Seiyefa Ekpemupolo; chaiman of IjawYouth Council (IYC), Gbaramatu Clan, Comr. Zikurebai Oyinkuro Wazo; a former president of Gbaramatu Female Graduates, Mrs. Endurance Bekenawei Nwachukwu, among several others.

Meanwhile, commendations from stakeholders trailed the Mr. Arerebo leadership of the Council for his innovative approach to the betterment of youths' affairs in the kingdom, especially in the areas of education and skill acquisition among others.

On the area of diversifying the economy of the kingdom, the youths called for more practical approach by government agencies especially in the area of funding and for more focus to be given to aquaculture since the kingdom is a coastal terrain.

On his part, Chief Mulade applauded the idea of a lecture which he said is a welcome development and strategic towards awareness creation, but stressed on the issue of environmental degradation should be addressed as it is a major asset that can sustain future generations.

Some however stressed on the need for awareness creation of Gbaramatu indigenes on their choice of course of study in tertiary institutions which should be petroleum related so as to give the youths more leverage to advocate for employment in oil companies.

Among major highlights of the Congress are the constitution of subcommittees and with the election of members into the Council's Mobile Parliament.

View more photos on PENGlobal Facebook page: 

#penglobalcommunity #GYC #congress #Gbaramatu