ANCISRO Reports
YOUTHS of Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA) in Anambra State Constituency II (Ihiala 2) have been urged to become more actively involved in security, mobilising for good governance and the development of a better society. They have also been asked to always develop a positive attitude to government.
The call was made by the Managing Director of the Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO), Chuka Nnabuife, who delivered the keynote lecture at a One-Day Interactive Youth Summit held on Saturday, June 21. The event was organised by Hon. Eze-Golden Chukwuebuka Iloh, the Anambra State House of Assembly member representing Ihiala 2.
Speaking at the theme of the summit, which took place at the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) Hall, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Okija, Ihiala LGA, Sir Nnabuife urged youths in the constituency to maintain a positive outlook on society and governance while playing active roles in civic affairs. He encouraged them to collaborate with various interest groups within their communities, noting that “healthy teamwork and the collaboration of diverse interests groups in a society aid development and facilitate the smooth functioning of governance.”
Delivering the lecture on the summit’s theme ‘Youth: Building Bridges in Governance and Positive Change,’ Nnabuife encouraged the youths not to be discouraged by challenges such as insecurity and unemployment.
“You have the power to create change. You have the power to think positively and stay focused on your goals. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
“You are the future leaders of Anambra State, and you have the potential to make a real difference. We face many challenges—from unemployment to disconnect from government—but we must not let these define us. We must rise above them and seek solutions,” he said.
He identified insecurity as a major challenge in the area, calling on youths in Ihiala 2—where security issues are most pronounced in the state—to take the lead in confronting the problem. He described insecurity as a “destructive sore thumb” hindering governance and development.
The helmsman of Ihiala LGA, Chief Anayo Charles Orjiakor, echoed Nnabuife’s observations and appealed to the youths to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security. He highlighted the collaboration between the state government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and the Federal Government to rid the area of insurgents. As part of this effort, three Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) have been established in the area.
Mayor Orjiakor also promised to address other concerns raised by the youths, comprising the need for better involvement of young people in the process of governance, provision of employment opportunities, and road infrastructure. He urged the youths to join hands with the government in tackling insecurity, which he described as a pressing challenge of the LGA.
Convener of the summit, Hon. Eze-Golden Chukwuebuka Iloh, used the platform to engage directly with the youths on his legislative performance and to gather feedback. Key concerns raised by the youths included access to jobs and opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels; inclusion in government-sponsored skills acquisition programs; poor road networks; erratic electricity supply; and the quality of education in both mission and privately owned schools.
Hon. Eze-Golden pledged to address the issues both as a lawmaker and as a very concerned citizen of the area. He requested the LGA chairman’s approval to set up a dedicated employment and skills acquisition desk at the Council’s headquarters. He emphasised the importance of Ihiala youths reaching out in good numbers to participate in existing empowerment initiatives such as the Anambra State Government’s ‘One Youth, Two Skills Solution’ and the state’s ongoing ICT (digital) skills training programs.
He concluded by urging the youths to adopt a positive mindset towards governance and civic engagement, emphasizing that the fight against insecurity in Ihiala must be a collective responsibility which the youth should lead.