A frontline aspirant for the Delta South Senatorial District, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo, has intensified grassroots consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, engaging youths across Isoko Nation with a promise of inclusive leadership, sustained engagement, and practical empowerment.
Ikpokpo’s outreach took him to both the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) in Ozoro and the Youth Wing of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) at Isoko House in Oleh on Thursday, April 9, 2026, where he met with hundreds of young people in separate but related engagements aimed at deepening youth participation in governance.
At the INYA engagement in Ozoro, which attracted over 400 youths from across the various clans of Isoko Nation, Ikpokpo stressed that his aspiration was driven by the need to bridge the gap between leaders and the people.
“I am not here to seek endorsement. I am here to have a conversation,” he said. “I want to listen, understand your concerns, and share ideas that will move our people forward.”
He emphasised that leadership must go beyond election cycles, insisting that elected representatives must remain accessible and accountable at all times.
“Too often, after elections, leaders become distant. That is not acceptable. Leadership must be about continuous communication,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of youth inclusion, Ikpokpo noted that young people constitute the majority of the population and must be placed at the centre of governance and decision-making.
“We are dealing with a youth population that forms the majority. Leaders must remain accessible and responsive to their needs,” he added.
In his remarks, President of INYA, Comrade Eniwake Orogun, cautioned youths against being swayed by political rhetoric, urging them instead to make informed decisions based on credibility, character, and track record.
He stressed that the engagement was not an endorsement forum but a platform for critical interaction, encouraging participants to ask questions and hold aspirants accountable.
At Isoko House in Oleh, Ikpokpo was welcomed by the IDU Youth President, Joel Emeni, and other youth leaders during an engagement that attracted over 300 youths.
Addressing concerns arising from the previous day’s endorsement of the incumbent senator, leaders of the IDU Youth Wing clarified that the action was not intended to slight or undermine other aspirants in the district. The Youth President appealed to members to overlook the incident and move forward in unity.
In response, Ikpokpo appreciated the clarification and, in his characteristic manner, chose to engage constructively with the youths, emphasizing dialogue and understanding over controversy.
Leaders of the IDU Youth Wing also expressed deep concern over what they described as the prolonged neglect of Isoko youths, lamenting the lack of opportunities and meaningful representation over the years.
They called for a new direction in leadership, stressing the urgent need for change that prioritises youth development and inclusion.
Responding, Ikpokpo assured the youths that he would not abandon them if elected, declaring that their welfare would remain central to his legislative focus.
“I will not abandon you. Youths must be carried along in governance. If you are not included, then leadership has failed,” he said.
He unveiled his agenda, anchored on the C.L.U.E. principle—Communicate, Legislate, Unite, and Empower, explaining that it would serve as the framework for his representation at the Senate.
According to him, communication would ensure constant engagement with constituents, while legislation would address critical needs of the people. He added that unity and understanding are essential for collective progress, while empowerment must be structured and sustainable.
“It is not enough to talk about improving lives; people must see and feel the impact,” he said.
Ikpokpo further emphasised the need for proper data and organisation among youths, noting that the absence of structured information has limited access to opportunities.
“We must know who we are, what we have, and what we need. Without data, planning becomes difficult and opportunities are lost,” he stated.
He also encouraged young people to define their goals and build clear identities, stressing that empowerment is most effective when individuals are prepared and focused.
“Many people say they need help, but they cannot define what they want to do. You must create your path and build your identity,” he advised.
The aspirant highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives, urging youths to organise themselves, build functional structures, and take advantage of opportunities within and beyond their communities.
He noted that government alone cannot solve all societal challenges, calling for collaboration between leaders, communities, and individuals.
On economic empowerment, Ikpokpo advocated for practical and scalable support systems, including structured financial assistance and mentorship to ensure long-term sustainability.
He also urged youths to be proactive in accessing opportunities in sectors such as oil and gas, noting that lack of awareness and organisation often leads to loss of benefits meant for host communities.
Reiterating his philosophy, Ikpokpo described politics as a platform for ideas and collaboration rather than conflict.
“Politics is not war. It is about sharing ideas and building consensus for the good of the people,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to sustained engagement with the youths and supporting initiatives that would drive development across Isoko Nation.
Both engagements ended with renewed calls for inclusive leadership, as participants emphasised the need for a new era of representation that prioritises the welfare and aspirations of young people in Delta South.
