High Chief Oyinkuro Lucky Asanakpo, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Volunteer Security Outfit and Egeni-Kokowei of Odoni Kingdom, has publicly declared his support for the upcoming Odoni International Youth Day 2025 celebration.
The formal endorsement occurred on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Asanakpo’s residence in Yenagoa. He received members of the planning committee during a courtesy visit led by the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Gesiye Omolo.
The 2025 edition of the Odoni International Youth Day will be held on August 12 at the Odoni Civic Centre. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Career Planning, Empowering Youths for a Sustainable Future & Enhancing Community Development.”
During the visit, Chief Asanakpo was joined by his wife, Chief Christabel Asanakpo, and their daughter. In a brief but impactful address, he praised the initiative and vision behind the planned event. He described the celebration as a timely platform for addressing youth empowerment and career development, both of which he noted are essential for the future of Odoni and surrounding communities.
He expressed strong appreciation for the planning committee’s dedication and stressed the importance of ensuring the event meets its stated objectives. Speaking to the committee, Asanakpo emphasized the need to remain focused and goal-driven. He advised them to prioritize the real needs of the youth and design programs that would create lasting value for the community.
“I’m deeply impressed by your commitment and the clarity of your goals,” Asanakpo said. “You must ensure that this celebration serves as more than a gathering. It should provide practical tools and guidance for our youth to build successful futures.”
He pledged his full support to the committee and assured them of his active involvement in the buildup to the August 12 event. While the form of his support was not specified, he made clear that both moral and logistical backing would be provided to help ensure the success of the celebration.
Planning Committee Chairman Mr. Gesiye Omolo expressed gratitude on behalf of his team. He described Chief Asanakpo’s endorsement as a morale booster and noted that the chief’s commitment had added further credibility to the planned event.
The Odoni International Youth Day is expected to attract participants from various parts of Bayelsa State and neighboring regions. The focus on career planning and sustainable community development is intended to align with broader efforts to curb youth unemployment and promote civic responsibility among young people.
Community leaders and youth advocates have consistently highlighted the importance of platforms that engage young people in discussions around economic empowerment, vocational training, and leadership development. Organizers of this year’s event are reportedly working with partners in education, entrepreneurship, and security to develop a well-rounded program that reflects the stated theme.
The meeting between Chief Asanakpo and the planning committee ended on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to the cause of youth development. The chief’s endorsement is expected to galvanize more community leaders to support the event in the weeks ahead.
