In recent days, the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency has been thrown into needless drama, orchestrated not by ordinary citizens but by some of its own leaders who ought to know better. At the centre of this is the Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), who has been busy hosting different groups in his Warri residence to pass votes of confidence in his leadership. This is coming at a time when some voices within Ndokwa Nation are calling for his resignation, citing his inability to replicate the development strides of past Managing Directors in their respective areas.
While Ndokwa Reporters sees nothing wrong in seeking solidarity or enjoying the support of groups and individuals, what has played out in Warri in the last few days is ethically disturbing and politically damaging to the dignity of Ndokwa people. It is a shame to parade elderly men, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, as “youths” in the name of rallying support. Such conduct insults the intelligence of the constituency and further reduces Ndokwa Nation to a laughingstock in the state and beyond.
The United Nations, in its widely accepted standard, defines youth as persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years. In Nigeria, the National Youth Policy extends this bracket to 15–35 years. Nowhere, either internationally or nationally, is a man in his fifties, sixties, or seventies still considered a youth. To continually recycle the same individuals, who have branded themselves “youth leaders” since the advent of the current democratic dispensation in 1999, is to mock the true aspirations of Ndokwa young people.
At the September 4, 2025 meeting in Warri, a coalition that styled itself “Ndokwa Youth Generals,” led by APC State Senatorial Youth Leader for Delta North, paid a courtesy visit to the MD. They were joined by others like Igwe Dubai, who hailed the MD for his supposed achievements. But let us be honest: when men bearing titles of “High Chief” and “Igwe” begin to pass as youth leaders, something is fundamentally wrong with the political culture of Ndokwa land.
We must separate gratitude from sycophancy. If has indeed initiated projects, be it roads, schools, or empowerment, these should be evaluated on their merit, with verifiable data and impact assessments. Development cannot be proclaimed in a sitting room in Warri; it must be visible in Obiaruku, Kwale, Aboh, and the villages where oil wealth flows without corresponding dividends. Until then, votes of confidence remain a hollow ritual designed to shield leaders from accountability.
The responsibility for this farce, however, goes beyond the MD. It extends to every elected and appointed Ndokwa son and daughter who has chosen the easy path of patronage politics over genuine service. When leaders prefer to engage recycled “youth generals” instead of the real youths of Ndokwa, graduates without jobs, farmers without support, artisans without tools, they betray the very constituency they claim to represent.
Ndokwa Reporters insists that real youths deserve a seat at the table. They deserve to be spoken to, empowered, and involved in decision-making. They should not be spectators while men old enough to be their grandfathers monopolize youth identity for personal gain. True engagement requires honesty, inclusiveness, and respect for international and national norms that define who youths are.
Our leaders must understand that Ndokwa’s image is at stake. Each time elders are paraded as youths, the wider Delta society shakes its head and laughs. Each time development is reduced to political theatrics, Ndokwa is diminished. This constituency cannot afford such embarrassment if it truly desires recognition, respect, and progress.
It is time for the DESOPADEC MD, and all other Ndokwa leaders in government to rise above this culture of disgrace. Engage the right people, deliver tangible projects, and stop the charade of rented crowds and empty votes of confidence. Only then will Ndokwa Nation reclaim its dignity and command the respect it deserves in Delta State and Nigeria.
