Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has urged youths in the country to remain ambitious, resilient and engaged in national affairs, saying their voices, ideas and participation matter.

Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, gave the charge on Wednesday in a message to Nigerian youths to mark the 2026 International Youth Day.

According to him, as we celebrate international youth day, I urge Nigerian youths to remain ambitious, resilient, and engaged in the affairs of our nation.

“Your voices matter, your ideas matter, and your participation matter.

“The future belongs to you, but most importantly, the present belongs to you too as Nigeria needs your energy, ideas and courage today,’’ he said.

The lawmaker, whose message was themed: ‘’Beyond Tomorrow: The Generation Building Nigeria Today’’ said the youths were not merely the leaders of tomorrow but already the pillars of the country.

“They are entrepreneurs creating businesses, professionals driving innovation, and farmers sustaining communities.

”They are creatives taking Nigerian culture to the world, and young people in every field contributing to the progress of our nation.

”This is why I have consistently approached my legislative responsibilities with the interests and future of young Nigerians in mind,’’ the lawmaker said.

The senator, who is Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, said many of the bills and initiatives he sponsored were driven by the need to create opportunities for youths.

“They are to strengthen your access to education and skills, support innovation and entrepreneurship and ensure that you are better positioned to participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s economic and social development,’’ he said.

Nwoko said he believed the younger generation deserved more than encouragement, adding that they needed an environment where their ideas could thrive, their talents find expression and their hard work translate into meaningful opportunities.

He said he remained committed to contributing through legislation and public service to building a Nigeria where young people would not have to wait for the future to realise their potential.

He congratulated young Nigerians contributing meaningfully to national development and building a better future, and wished all Nigerian youths a happy International Youth Day.