Youth leader and immediate past President of the Okerenkoko Youth Development Movement (OYDM) in Okerenkoko Federated Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade Philemon Bebenimibo, has called on youths across the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect as the world marks the 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).

Bebenimibo, in a statement commemorating the annual United Nations event observed on August 12, said this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” underscores the need for young people from different communities, ethnic groups and backgrounds to work together towards common goals of peace, development and prosperity.

He urged Niger Delta youths to resist actions capable of promoting hatred, violence and division, stressing that the region can only achieve meaningful development when young people see themselves as partners in progress.

“As we commemorate International Youth Day 2026, we must remember that despite our different contexts, our aspirations are common," he said.

The former OYDM president also expressed concern over what he described as the growing misuse of social media by some youths to insult, abuse and ridicule elders, traditional leaders and other respected personalities.

According to him, social media should be deployed for positive engagement, education, advocacy and development rather than for character assassination, cyberbullying and unnecessary provocation.

Bebenimibo noted that "Freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly," adding that youths can disagree with leaders, question decisions and demand accountability without resorting to abusive language or disrespect.

He consequently appealed to traditional rulers, political leaders, community leaders and youth leaders across the various kingdoms in the Niger Delta to guide and call their youths to order whenever necessary, while warning against allowing political interests, ethnic sentiments, personal disagreements and social media rivalry to create hostility among young people in the region.

Bebenimibo equally urged elders and leaders to continue providing mentorship, opportunities and platforms for meaningful youth participation in community development and decision-making, stressing that proper guidance, empowerment and inclusion of young people would help channel their energy and creativity towards peacebuilding and sustainable development.

"We all desire peaceful communities, opportunities to succeed, economic prosperity and a Niger Delta where the next generation can live with dignity and hope,” he stated.

The youth leader further called on young people to reject violence, intolerance, hate speech, cyberbullying and disrespect for elders, while becoming ambassadors of peace and unity in their respective communities.

He congratulated youths across the Niger Delta and Nigeria on the 2026 International Youth Day celebration, stressing that the quality of the future would largely depend on the choices and actions of young people today.