…As Dafinone highlights constituency projects, federal jobs, Tinubu’s reforms
Over 250 community youth leaders from Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Delta State, have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, and the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, for re-election in 2027.
The youth leaders, who also pledged support for other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, announced their endorsement on Saturday at the 2026 U3 Federal Constituency Community Youth Leaders Conference held at Wetland Hotel, Ughelli.
The conference was organised by the U3 Youth Leader and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, Chief Hope Ejiro, to promote grassroots participation, unity and community development.
Speaking at the event, Senator Dafinone commended the youth leaders for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to effective representation and equitable distribution of constituency projects across Delta Central Senatorial District.
He disclosed that his office was working towards ensuring that every local government area in the district benefited from at least one significant project as his tenure entered its fourth year.
According to him, the interventions would complement smaller projects, including the provision of transformers, streetlights, water facilities, school infrastructure and other essential amenities.
The senator explained that legislators nominate constituency projects, while relevant federal ministries, departments and agencies are responsible for their implementation.
He stressed that effective representation also required consistent monitoring and follow-up to ensure that approved projects were properly executed.
Dafinone listed educational facilities, healthcare infrastructure, accident and emergency wards, school hostels and community utilities among the areas receiving attention, insisting that fairness and inclusiveness would guide the distribution of projects.
He urged community leaders to sustain communication with his office and clearly articulate their development priorities to facilitate appropriate interventions.
The lawmaker also highlighted his position as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character, describing it as an opportunity to promote fairness, equity and balanced representation in federal appointments and employment opportunities.
He encouraged qualified Urhobo youths to monitor his official social media platforms for credible information on federal recruitment exercises.
Dafinone assured them that his office would provide guidance and legitimate follow-up, while emphasising the need to comply with established recruitment procedures.
On the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, the senator acknowledged the hardship faced by Nigerians but defended the reforms, saying they were intended to address longstanding structural challenges and reposition the economy for sustainable growth.
He cited fuel subsidy removal, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and increased financial resources available to state governments as significant policy initiatives.
He, however, stressed that accountability and prudent management of public funds were necessary to ensure that the benefits of the reforms translated into improved living conditions for citizens.
Dafinone further called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government, the Delta State Government and elected representatives to attract more development projects and opportunities to Urhobo communities.
He maintained that effective representation depended on accessibility, sustained engagement and strong institutional relationships, assuring constituents that he would continue to pursue projects and employment opportunities capable of improving their welfare.
Also addressing the gathering, Waive urged the youth leaders to take greater responsibility for the future of their communities by making informed political choices and holding elected officials accountable.
He said leadership should be assessed on the basis of character, competence, capacity and commitment to public service rather than political promises.
The federal lawmaker noted that Nigeria’s development challenges required collective responsibility, urging young people to move beyond complaints and participate actively in finding solutions.
He identified poverty, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, insecurity and limited economic opportunities as major challenges requiring sustained attention from government and community stakeholders.
Waive also encouraged youths to embrace education, discipline, productive engagement and community service, stressing that the values and decisions of the younger generation would shape the future of society.
Drawing on biblical principles, he underscored the importance of faith, integrity and responsible leadership, noting that the seeds sown today would determine the harvest of tomorrow.
Earlier, the convener, Chief Hope Ejiro, said the conference was organised to strengthen engagement between grassroots leaders and elected representatives.
He explained that the gathering was also intended to provide a common platform for youth leaders across Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu to articulate their concerns and speak with one voice in attracting development to their communities.
The conference featured discussions on community development priorities, youth participation in governance and the need to strengthen unity among young people across the federal constituency.
At the end of the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their support for Tinubu, Oborevwori, Dafinone, Waive and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while reiterating their expectations for improved representation, employment opportunities and grassroots development.
