In the Niger Delta, youths are taking ownership of their narratives and creating platforms that spotlight the aspirations, challenges, and opportunities of their communities. One such innovator is Samuel Obarine Ngekeda, better known as Sammy Purple, an NDLink Champion, whose work reflects a deep commitment to youth leadership and social transformation.

A proud native of Eleme Community, Rivers State, Sammy is the founder and curator of the Eleme Podcast, an online platform dedicated to driving positive change in the political and social landscape of his community. Through thoughtful conversations, the podcast is sparking dialogue that promotes democratic values, good governance, and community-driven
development in Eleme.

From Storytelling to Social Impact

Sharing his journey with NDLink, Sammy explained that his decision to launch the Eleme Podcast was born out of a desire to reconnect with his roots. Having contributed to projects across the Niger Delta, he realized that sustainable transformation begins at the community level. Returning to Eleme, he sought to channel his knowledge and networks into building a platform that empowers residents to reflect, question, and reimagine their future. He noted: “Our stories matter. By sharing them, we are not only holding leaders accountable but also inspiring young people to see themselves as active participants in building a better Eleme.”

Shaping Communities Through Local Ownership
Since its launch in February 2025, and now streaming on YouTube and  Spotify, Eleme Podcast has quickly begun to shape public discourse. Its episodes explore the future of Eleme, challenge stereotypes about youth, and highlight inclusive pathways to growth. By featuring voices from governance, policy, and community leadership, the podcast is emerging as a credible hub for dialogue, awareness, and actionable solutions.

Beyond the podcast, Sammy’s social impact is amplified through his other initiatives. He is the founder of Positive Minds Africa, a foundation dedicated to curbing youth violence and promoting entrepreneurship among young people. His commitment has earned him multiple recognitions, including the Global Leadership Award by MOGI GLS as the Most Influential Hero

Driving Change as an NDLink Champion
As an NDLink Champion, Sammy sees media as a strategic tool for fostering active citizenship and transparency. Through his work, he aims to:
● Strengthen citizen participation in political processes
● Advance transparency and accountability in governance
● Promote security and urbanization in Eleme
● Encourage evidence-based dialogue that informs policy and community  development
These priorities align with NDLink’s broader mission of equipping young leaders to be catalysts for sustainable change in their communities.

Looking Ahead
Sammy envisions the Eleme Podcast growing into a leading civic engagement hub in the Niger Delta. By giving grassroots voices a platform, he believes Eleme can model how local ownership of narratives can drive wider democratic and development outcomes.
“When citizens are informed, they participate better in governance. When communities talk, solutions emerge. That is the spirit behind Eleme Podcast—it’s about giving Eleme people a voice to shape the future they want.”

Listen to Eleme Podcast on Spotify and discover how grassroots voices are building a stronger, more inclusive Niger Delta by Clicking here