By Chukwuka Ugokwe
Participants at a One Day Programme staged by the Anambra State Chapter of Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), have advocated for creation of more youth empowerment opportunities for their economic sustainability
The ceremony held at the Dunukofia Local Government Secretariat, Ukpo, was also used to inaugurate the Executive of the Youth Assembly and flag off of ” Not Too Young To Learn A Skill Campaign” in the council.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration, the Chairman of the Council Area, Barrister Chijioke Ozumba, called on the youth to rise to the occasion and embrace leadership roles, leveraging their energy and talents to contribute to the development of Anambra State and the Nigeria at large.
He said the inauguration was the first of its kind in the council area under his watch, noting that the council aligned with Governor Soludo’s promised of producing over ten thousand young millionaires at the end of his eight years administration in the State.
Ozumba, promised that his administration will partner with YAN to further improved the welfare of youths in the council area.
He commended the Governor for ensuring a conducive environment for the programme.
In his address while declaring the event open, the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programme, Dr Nelson Omenugha, called on the youth to hold leaders accountable while equipping themselves with the necessary skills to participate effectively in the political process
He urged the youth to take up the mantle of leadership and work to restore their image within the society, emphasising that their role in governance is crucial for the nation’s future.
Omenugha further stated that the Youth Assembly serves as a platform to groom and train young leaders who will eventually steer the nation to greater heights.
He noted that the administration of Governor Soludo had anchored his youth empowerment agenda on “One Youth, Two Skills” programme to ensure Anambra youths were taken off the street.
Delivering the keynote address on the Theme; A Challenging Narrative of the Future, Youth Participation and the ,Roles in Governance” Prof Stephen Ufoaroh, the President General of Ifitedunu community, emphasised the need for youths to channel their vibrancy and creativity towards driving positive change in the society.
He stressed that political education is crucial for young people to understand the system, urging them to see politics not merely as a source of income but as a means to build resilience and develop alternative livelihoods.
He urged the youths to used the YAN platform to get involved actively in the forthcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election in the state.
He also appeal to Igbo youths in general to apply for the ongoing Army recruitment exercise nationwide to fill the slot meant for the region.
Ufoaroh equally urged the federal government to focus more on job creation by establishing cottage industries across the nation , arguing that employment remains the only solution to the trending insecurity in the country.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Speaker of YAN in the council area, Hon Kingsley Anusi, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for making the event a huge success and pledged to run impactful leadership that would benefit Dunukofia youth s
He noted that the YAN platform under his leadership in the council area would keep the youth informed about initiatives, events and programmes designed to foster youth empowerment, skill development and active citizenship.
