Enivwenaye Ogegere is a Nigerian and a mouth piece to most Nigeria youths.The Delta state born proponent of change is the founder of the Delta Elite Movement (DEM). In this interview he speaks on pertinent national issues.
Ogegere Enivwenaye
How was life at the University of Port Harcourt?
Life at the University of Port Harcourt had its ups and downs but I must confess that as someone from a humble background, I had to pass through scorching conditions to obtain my degree. Honestly speaking, it w as experience I wouldn’t want my fellow youth to pass through. If not for God’s grace and divine mercies I should be singing a different song now. In all, the experience prepared me solidly for greater challenges and off course the competitions ahead of me.
Now that you have graduated from the university, what next?
Well, I have the dire desire to go for some professional courses immediately after my masters because I want to utilize my youthful age very effectively.
What is your take on the rate of unemployment in the country today?
The rate of unemployment in the country today is alarming and our government continue to pay deaf ears to our plight. As a citizen of this country, I can’t remember the last time a public notice indicating vacancies in government institutions and even when they are advertised some big wigs would hijack them and dish them out to the less qualified persons while the more qualified but maybe poor are left to roam the street endlessly. This is the singular reason why the rates of crime in our society keep rising and I am using this opportunity to call for government attention so that youth restiveness can give way for peace.
You are the founder of Delta Youth Movement?
Yes.
Could you tell us about this organisation?
Before I actually disclosed the idea of birthing this organisation to my colleagues, it started burning in my heart since 2007. The dream came as a result of the unwarranted neglect the youth, especially the graduate, of this great country has suffered over the years.
How did you come about the name, DYM?
I felt the name DEM was okay because I wanted it to be an organisation of great thinkers that would put their intellectual resources together towards bringing the desired change in Delta state and beyond.
What is the set Objectives of this organisation?
The objectives of DEM is majorly hinged on development even though we have things we would want to achieve in order to drive the state and the country seven steps ahead.
Are you satisfied with the state of development in Delta state?
I would say a big No! Delta state is one of the wealthy states in Nigeria but our development is what I will rather describe as “snail-like”. If the amount of money coming into the state is put into effective use, the state will be a paradise in Nigeria. Roads, education and electricity don’t get the urgent attention they need.
During campaign, our political lords will promise us poverty elevation, provision of good road networks, effective and efficient power supply but they soon turn their back on us when they emerge as leaders. They should throw their weight on this malaise. We need change.
Do you see DEM bringing this desired change?
Off course, yes. We are going to engage Delta state people from time to time to help us elevate their problems and this would enable us bring their pressing issues to the forefront for the government’s consideration. We intent to also enlighten the people of the state, both young and old, and the aged on ways to contribute towards making the state what it ought to be and not to entirely rely on the government . We have so much in store in the state and with time, our actions will speak louder than our voice.
How do you choose your members?
As the name implies, it is a forum open to good thinking and forward minded youth. So, membership is based on the constitution and the principles binding the organisation. If one does not have the qualifications outlined in our constitution, one may not be taken. All Delta state youth will be involved in our programs but membership will be thoroughly be in line with the detects of our constitution.
Your members are strictly the talented and enlightened youth of the state?
Elite as described by the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary is a group of talented people considered to be the best of their kinds. It must not necessarily be that they have acquired university degree or not but has something tangible to offer to the state. Our membership law is based on this.
What is your driving force?
God almighty is my strength and backbone. The desire for change is another of my driving force. Things ought to change for the better.
Do you think the youth of this country are living up to par?
In one way I would say yes but in another I would say no. The youth of Nigeria is one of the hard working, gifted and most blessed in the world against the hash economic conditions but we are too fearful.
A lot of things go wrong in the country but what do we do? We just sit down and watch. I think it’s about time we moved out of our comfort zones and join other patriotic Nigerians in dragging the nation out of economic pollution.
With the spate of violence rocking our country, where do you think we are going?
The current situation we are passing through is like a boil in the groin I must say but this is as a result of bad leadership. We can only come out of this mess if our leaders brace up to the challenges of good governance. Except there’s peace, development is a mirage.
What is your message to the youth?
The literary icon, Chinua Achebe of blessed memory once said in his book “The Trouble with Nigeria” and I quote: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership”. I will vehemently say that our youth needs to wake up from their slumber. Let’s quit casting blames and join hands with the government to bring a better Nigeria and as the election year draws closer let’s not allow ourselves be used by some political elements for their selfish gains.
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