Former Niger Delta agitator and traditional ruler, Asari Dokubo, has issued a strong warning to youths in Rivers State against allowing themselves to be manipulated into promoting social vices that could jeopardize their futures.

Dokubo, who is the Amanyanabo of Torusarama-Piri, delivered this advice during a familiarization visit by the leadership and members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State chapter, to his residence in Obuama.

According to a statement released by his media aide, Daerefa-A Christopher Braide, the former agitator emphasized the importance of peace and urged the youths to stand firm against any attempts by individuals or groups seeking to use them as instruments for causing societal unrest.

"Such actions could endanger your lives and hinder your ability to achieve your life goals," Dokubo cautioned the youths.

The traditional ruler also pledged his ongoing support for youth development initiatives in Rivers State, encouraging the young leaders to reach out to him whenever necessary for guidance and assistance.

Earlier in the meeting, the State Chairman of NYCN, Ambrose Sopuruchukwu-Okpor, explained that the purpose of their visit was to seek the blessings of the Amanyanabo and to benefit from his extensive wisdom and experience.

Sopuruchukwu-Okpor assured that the NYCN would intensify its sensitization campaign against social vices for the benefit of Rivers State and its youth population.

This engagement comes at a time when youth involvement in political tensions and social unrest has been a growing concern in the Niger Delta region, particularly in Rivers State where political divisions have sometimes led to youth mobilization for disruptive activities.