In a powerful address that stirred applause and deep reflection, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the c otherwise known as Rivers State Coalition of Youth Bodies (CORYB) has issued a call to action for Nigerian youth to reject violence, political manipulation, and moral decay, and instead take up the mantle of responsibility, unity, and leadership.
The Chairman, who assumed office with what he described as “a deep sense of humility and duty,” said his leadership would prioritize peace, unity, and progress among the youth of Rivers State. Speaking at the coalition’s inauguration ceremony in Port Harcourt, he reminded the audience that the coalition is not an extension of any political party, but rather a force for truth, justice, and accountability.
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“This platform is not for rent,” he declared. “We are here to be a voice for the voiceless, a shield for the vulnerable, and a force for justice.” He emphasized that under his leadership, the coalition would not tolerate any hijacking of its mission by selfish political interests. “We will speak out against human rights violations, we will challenge unjust policies, and we will hold public office holders accountable.”
The most striking moment of the address came when the Chairman launched into a passionate critique of what he called the failures of 21st-century Nigerian youth. “The Nigerian youth has failed us,” he said bluntly, to a mix of silence and uncomfortable applause. “They carry guns and shoot their fellow youth in the name of cultism. They kidnap, they scam, and they destroy the moral fabric of our society.”
He pointed to disturbing trends such as cybercrime (“Yahoo Yahoo”), vandalism of oil pipelines, and prostitution (“hookup culture”) as signs that many young people had strayed from the values of discipline, hard work, and patriotism. “What kind of wives and mothers are we raising for tomorrow?” he asked rhetorically. “The youth must reflect. The man giving you guns for political violence—where are his own children?”
In a sobering reflection on governance and economic development, the chairman reminded youth that nobody from outside would develop Rivers State or Nigeria for them. “You cannot expect anyone to come and fix your state for you,” he warned. “It is your responsibility, and you will bear the consequences if you fail.”
Using official data, he compared the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lagos State, which currently stands at ₦41.9 trillion, to Rivers State’s ₦7.9 trillion, lamenting that Rivers, once neck-and-neck with Lagos, had now fallen drastically behind in productivity and opportunity. “This economic gap shows that we are no longer productive. Our businesses are shrinking, our opportunities are fading, and our future is at risk,” he said.
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He further challenged youth leaders to stop seeking only survival, and instead demand better policies, education, and opportunities from government and institutions.
The chairman stressed that true leadership starts with accountability and self-sacrifice. “To lead, you must place public interest above personal gain. You must be willing to sacrifice and commit.” He criticized a lack of seriousness among some youth leaders, pointing out that some elders arrived at the event before the very youth it was meant to inspire. “How can you lead when you don’t even show up on time?” he asked. “Leadership begins with showing up and stepping up.”
The coalition’s new leadership affirmed its commitment to constitutional democracy, stressing that all advocacy must be grounded in the rule of law. “Your truth may be different from mine, but our constitution is our collective truth. That is the minimum we must insist on as a people,” he said. He encouraged the youth to rise above political divisions and work together for real change, asserting that the coalition’s purpose is to reclaim the future of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The speech closed with a reminder that youth must not only prepare for leadership “tomorrow” but must begin leading “today.” “The idea that youth are the future is incomplete,” the Chairman said. “We are also the present. If we don’t take action now, our children will one day ask us why we failed them.”
The Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies (informally dubbed “Coalition of Liberal State Employees”) is a unified umbrella of youth-led organizations across the state. It aims to promote political neutrality, civic advocacy, and socio-economic empowerment for young people in Rivers State.
