In response to the reactions he sparked by his comments on X (formerly Twitter) last month regarding the future of youths in Delta State and the sad employment situation, rapper Erigga has taken the opportunity to address and correct certain misconceptions regarding his views on Delta State youth and government efforts.
He posted a statement on his official X account with the caption: “Clarification about my comments towards the Esteemed Youth of Delta State and the government’s efforts.”
The statement read: “Greetings to the good people of Delta State, It has come to my attention that there has been a misconception regarding my personal opinion expressed in the tweets I made on 20/5/2024 concerning the future of the youths in Delta State.
“Firstly, I want to clarify that I owe the success of my career to the good people of Delta State. I am deeply grateful for your support and, therefore, feel a responsibility to speak up for the betterment of our community. My comments are not aimed at any political office holders or government representatives.
“Secondly, my outcry does not concern those in the entertainment sector, as it is clear that not all youths of Delta State are interested in entertainment. Many are excelling in various fields, and this is a source of pride. My primary concern is for the younger generations aspiring to careers in agriculture, engineering, teaching, and business. These sectors are crucial for creating jobs and making a positive impact on our state.
“To those questioning what I have done for Delta State, I find this laughable, as the facts of my contributions are verifiable. Yes, unemployment is a nationwide issue in Nigeria, but as a proud Deltan, I owe it to my people, who may not have a voice, to ask the right questions. My supporters have elevated my career, and I aim to repay this favor by speaking up. We are tired of being limited to POS operators, tricycle riders, and other underemployment. Our youths are industrious and desire meaningful work.
“I hope it is clear that my concerns are not related to concerts or state government sponsorship. This is about real life and the future of our youths. If you are in a position of influence, I urge you to reach out and collaborate on initiatives that can make a substantial difference for the youths in Delta State. My goal is to help people leave the streets, as the streets are not a conducive environment for growth. Not everyone can be a government appointee or an entertainer. What plans exist for those who don’t fit into these categories? Are these plans publicized enough for interested persons to participate?
“I reiterate that these are genuine questions, not an attack on the office of the Governor, contrary to some claims.
“Delta State youths are worth more than just being:- Tricycle riders- Prostitutes- Yahoo boys- POS operators.
“Therefore, I ask again: ‘What is the future of the youths in Delta State?’
“God bless all Deltans, God bless the Governor, And together, we can achieve great things.
“In this light, I would like to highlight some successful youths from Delta State as sources of inspiration:
1. *Stephen Keshi* – A renowned footballer and coach who has made significant contributions to Nigerian football.
2. *Ufuoma McDermott* – A celebrated actress, filmmaker, and former model.
3. *Igho Sanomi* – A successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for his impact in the energy sector.
These individuals exemplify the potential and talent within Delta State, reinforcing the need to support and cultivate diverse career paths for our youths.
Sincerely,
ERIGGA
