Delta State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ambassador Kenneth Okorie, has raised serious concern about what he describes as the growing loss of moral values among Nigerian youths. He made the statement during the flag-off of the 2025 International Youth Week Celebration held in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Ambassador Okorie said many young Nigerians are abandoning the traditional values of hard work, dignity, and integrity in their pursuit of quick and questionable wealth. He mentioned that some youths now engage in internet fraud (popularly known as yahoo yahoo), ritual killings, drug abuse, alcoholism, and the increasing trend of “hookups” — a term often used to describe transactional or casual sexual relationships.
He asked, “What is happening to our youths? Why this rush for quick money? What happened to the values of honesty, hard work, and dignity? Today, it is difficult to find young people learning a trade like tiling or carpentry. We now import artisans from Togo to do these jobs because our own youths don’t want to learn skills anymore.”
Themed “Empowering the Youths, Building the Future,” the weeklong event, which will run from August 6 to August 12, is focused on redirecting the energy of the Nigerian youth towards positive, productive ventures and national development.
Ambassador Okorie expressed his frustration over how widespread these social issues have become, saying the situation now goes beyond what one organisation can handle alone. He called for urgent collaboration between the government, parents, religious bodies, the private sector, and well-meaning individuals.
He stated: “The Youth Council is ready to play its part, but we need strong partnerships to reformat the mindset of Nigerian youths. Our goal is to bring order where there is disorder. With the right support and guidance, young people can rediscover their purpose and build a better future.”
During the event, the NYCN announced that activities planned for the International Youth Week include visits to orphanages and the Okere Correctional Centre. There will also be a seminar focused on the dangers of drug abuse, and a football tournament involving local government youth chapters and the state executive team to promote unity and physical fitness.
Another highlight of the flag-off ceremony was the official decoration of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as the Grand Patron of the Youth Council in Delta State. The Council also honoured former Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, with the title of Living Legend of Delta State Youths in appreciation of his past efforts in supporting youth development during his tenure.
Ambassador Okorie encouraged youths to embrace self-development and entrepreneurship instead of waiting for white-collar jobs that may never come. He said, “We have so many opportunities around us — agriculture, tech, small businesses, and handwork. The problem is, many youths are not ready to start small or put in the work.”
He further warned that unless urgent steps are taken to address the growing interest in negative lifestyles, the country may face serious consequences in the future, including increased crime rates, drug-related deaths, broken homes, and widespread unemployment.
The NYCN boss advised the youth to see themselves as future leaders who must lead by example and be good ambassadors of their communities.
He concluded by reminding the audience that “it is not too late to return to the right path. Let us stand together to change the narrative. We must raise a generation of Nigerian youths who are hardworking, disciplined, and patriotic.”
The International Youth Week is a globally recognised celebration aimed at drawing attention to issues affecting young people and creating space for positive change, leadership development, and empowerment across different sectors.
