NYCN Endorses Eshor, Backs Plan to Make Delta Nigeria’s Blue Economy Capital

By: Sam Ugochukwu

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has endorsed the Delta State governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Engr. Isaac Eshor, expressing confidence in his capacity to transform the state into Nigeria's leading blue economy hub and create sustainable economic opportunities for young people.
The endorsement was announced in Abuja during a stakeholders' engagement attended by youth leaders from across the country, where Eshor unveiled his economic blueprint for Delta State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

National President of NYCN, Comrade Babangida Isah, described Eshor as a visionary leader with the competence, experience and innovative mindset required to unlock Delta State's vast economic potential, attract investments and generate employment.

Speaking after receiving the endorsement, Eshor pledged to wage a determined battle against unemployment and poverty through the development of the state's maritime and coastal resources.
According to him, Delta State possesses enormous untapped opportunities in maritime transportation, fisheries, marine logistics, coastal tourism, shipbuilding and other ocean-based industries capable of driving industrial growth and reducing dependence on federal allocations.

Delta State has all it takes to become the blue economy capital of Nigeria. We must move beyond dependence on government revenue and fully harness our natural resources to create jobs, wealth and economic opportunities for our people, Eshor stated.

The AAC governorship candidate lamented what he described as years of missed economic opportunities despite the state's strategic location and substantial revenues, insisting that Delta's economy could be significantly expanded through deliberate investments in the blue economy sector.
He challenged the current administration to a public debate on governance, economic development and the future of Delta State, saying the people deserve the opportunity to assess competing ideas and development strategies.
Let us engage in a constructive conversation about the economy and the best pathways to move Delta State forward. The people deserve practical solutions and a clear vision for development, he said.

As part of his development agenda, Eshor promised to tackle the state's electricity challenges through the deployment of turbine-powered energy systems designed to provide stable and reliable power supply across communities.
He also pledged to introduce free primary and secondary education and provide a monthly allowance of ₦100,000 for teachers as part of efforts to improve educational standards and enhance the welfare of educators.

On healthcare, the AAC candidate assured residents of comprehensive reforms aimed at expanding access to quality medical services, adding that key policies of his administration would be backed by legislation to ensure continuity beyond his tenure.

Eshor emphasized that youth empowerment would remain central to his administration, noting that unemployment and economic hardship continue to contribute to rising social challenges and insecurity.
When young people are gainfully employed and empowered, communities become safer, stronger and more prosperous. Our administration will focus on creating opportunities that enable youths to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and development, he said.

Earlier, NYCN National President, Comrade Babangida Isah, said the council's endorsement was informed by the need for competent, accountable and development-oriented leadership capable of translating economic opportunities into jobs, investments and sustainable livelihoods.

He described Delta State as an economic powerhouse with immense potential for industrialization, innovation and investment-driven growth.
We need leaders who understand how businesses are built, how investments are attracted and how jobs are created. Young Nigerians deserve practical solutions that will improve their lives and secure their future, Babangida said.

He stressed the need for increased investment in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, arguing that sustainable youth empowerment extends beyond political appointments.
"Empowering a young person with a skill is far more impactful than offering a temporary political position. We need leadership that creates pathways to long-term economic independence and self-reliance," he added.

Babangida highlighted Eshor's background in marine operations, logistics, entrepreneurship and youth development, describing him as a candidate whose professional experience aligns with the economic opportunities available in Delta State.
He also called on state governments across the country to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by expanding access to skills acquisition programmes, supporting small and medium-scale enterprises and creating an enabling environment for investments that generate employment and economic growth.

Political observers believe the endorsement could further strengthen Eshor's appeal among young voters ahead of the 2027 Delta State governorship election, especially as issues of unemployment, economic diversification, industrialization and youth empowerment continue to dominate public discourse across the state.