The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has tasked the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on the need to avail the youths of business prospects through education and mentorship to enable them make out something meaningful with the lives.
Dr. Ikpeazu who gave the charge when he received a delegation of the South East leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria at the Government House Umuahia, described the Council as a veritable platform that can motivate the youths.
He said that the State’s investments in the development of youths are key, adding that “we must create leaders of tomorrow today”.
Dr. Ikpeazu further said that his conviction is to try to imbibe in youths the possibility of excelling even in difficult situations.
The Governor said he would want to see youths that can excel, pointing out that Abia youths have the capacity to become great and add to the economy of the nation. He urged young people to look inwards as everything they need to survive is available within their immediate environment and stressed the need for Abia youths to sustain their resilience and hardwork they are known for.
Governor Ikpeazu assured that his administration will continue to take deliberate steps aimed at preparing young people for the challenges of leadership adding that his administration has invested heavily in the youths of the State in various ways including availing youths of opportunities to hold top positions in his government.
He later gave approval to the request of the State Council of the NYCN to incorporate the Abia Youth House into the planned remodeling of the Nsulu Games Village.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Emeka Ikwuagwu who described Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as a youth friendly Governor, highlighted many of his achievements geared towards youth development, including Education for Employment programme (E4E), establishment of Abia State Homeland Ministry, TMASS among others, all of which have employed thousands of youths in the State.
The Commissioner assured that the Ministry wiil continue to prioritize matters affecting the youths in the State to help them to achieve their potentials.
In his Speech, the State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, Comrade Sylvanus Smith who said that the South East leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria was in Abia State for its stakeholders meeting thanked the Governor for changing the narrative of youth empowerment to youth development.
He appealed to the Governor to sustain the financial support being given to the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as well as encourage the State social investment Office to reach more youths among other requests.
Highlights of the visit was the decoration of the Governor as the Grand Patron of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter and presentation of an award as The Most Youth Development Support Governor in South East by the National Executive Council of the NYCN.
