Says Nigeria Needs Leadership That Prioritises Welfare, Employment and Sustainable Development
Chief Engr. Iwebunor Osakwe, the Ogwuluzeme 1 of Onicha-Uku Kingdom, has called for a new political direction in Nigeria, urging youths to rise above the politics of temporary financial handouts and demand leadership anchored on accountability, transparency and sustainable development.
Osakwe made the call in his November 1, 2026, New Month message addressed to the people of Delta State, particularly Delta North and Aniocha North Local Government Area, as well as Nigerians across the country.
Expressing concern over the prevailing economic challenges confronting the country, he lamented that despite Nigeria’s enormous human and natural resources, millions of citizens continue to grapple with hunger, hardship, frustration and uncertainty about the future.
He described the growing hardship as troubling, noting that many young Nigerians were gradually losing hope, while the economic pressure was taking a heavy toll on ordinary households.
According to him, Nigeria urgently needs a new direction and leadership that understands the challenges facing the masses and places the collective interest of the country above personal and political considerations.
The Onicha-Uku traditional titleholder questioned a situation in which public healthcare and educational institutions remain major concerns, while many political leaders and public officeholders seek medical treatment and educational opportunities abroad.
He maintained that Nigeria’s abundant resources should be deployed to improve the living conditions of citizens rather than benefiting only a privileged few.
YOUTHS MUST REJECT POLITICS OF HANDOUTS
In a strong message to Nigerian youths, Osakwe urged them to become more politically conscious and resist the temptation of exchanging their votes and future for temporary financial benefits during election seasons.
He observed that politicians often approach the electorate every four years with promises, campaign speeches and financial inducements, only for many of those promises to be abandoned after elections.
Making particular reference to reports of ₦50,000 handouts to individuals in his local government area, he questioned whether such resources would not be better invested in industries, factories, skills acquisition, job creation and sustainable empowerment programmes.
He argued that rather than repeatedly presenting temporary financial assistance as a solution to long-term poverty, political leaders should concentrate on building an economy that enables citizens to become self-reliant.
Osakwe stressed that the people deserve meaningful employment opportunities, functional hospitals, quality education, good roads, reliable electricity and an enabling environment for businesses to flourish.
He warned against a political culture that reduces the value of citizens to the amount of money they receive during election campaigns, emphasising that votes represent the future of the electorate, their children and generations yet unborn.
NDC ADVOCATES PEOPLE-CENTRED GOVERNANCE
Speaking on the political alternative, Osakwe declared that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) had come with a message of service to the people.
He said the country’s future must be built on accountability, transparency, integrity, equal opportunities and a genuine commitment to the welfare of citizens.
He called on Nigerians, particularly the youths, to remain hopeful, courageous and committed to demanding responsible leadership and a better society.
While wishing the people a peaceful and prosperous November, Osakwe prayed for divine intervention in Nigeria’s affairs, expressing hope that the new month would bring restoration, renewed opportunities, peace and improved living conditions for families across the country.
He concluded with prayers for God’s blessings upon Delta State, Aniocha North, Delta North and Nigeria.
