A philanthropist, Chief Joseph Chimezie Onuorah, has urged Nigerian youths, particularly those from Ndiowu and Anambra State, to take responsibility for their future, acquire relevant skills and reject shortcuts to wealth.
Onuorah, who gave the charge while speaking with newsmen during the restored Ndiowu New Yam Festival, described the return of the festival as a historic and emotional moment.
“My heart is filled with joy that we lived to see this day. Since I was born, I have never witnessed this kind of festival in Ndiowu,” he said.
The member of the Ndiowu Traditional Ruling Council said the restoration of the festival offered the people of Ndiowu an opportunity to reunite under their new traditional ruler and collectively pursue peace and development.
“We are grateful to God for making it possible for us to reunite and move our community forward,” he said.
Onuorah’s strongest message was directed at young people, whom he urged to stop waiting for others to transform their lives.
“You cannot afford to wait for government, your parents, your community or somebody you know to come and change your life.”
He said education remained important but should be complemented by practical, marketable skills.
“Education gives you a foundation, but skills make you useful. Learn something that the world is willing to pay for.”
Onuorah identified technology, agriculture, healthcare, artificial intelligence, construction, finance, entrepreneurship and skilled trades as areas offering significant opportunities.
He also warned young people against fraud, drug abuse, cultism and internet scams. “There is no sustainable shortcut to success. Build competence, discipline and experience.”
He stressed the importance of integrity and urged young people to protect their names and reputation.
“Your name is an asset. In Igbo society, aha is extremely important. You may lose money and recover it, but once you lose your integrity, rebuilding your reputation can be very difficult.”
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He encouraged Ndiowu youths to develop global ambitions and acquire internationally competitive skills. However, he added that success should not lead young people to abandon their communities.
“While you are building your own future, don’t forget home. Your success should not end with you.”
Onuorah, whose Joseph Onuorah Foundation has supported education, skills acquisition, sports and community infrastructure, said his philosophy was rooted in the belief that successful individuals have a responsibility to uplift others.
The foundation’s interventions include the ongoing Ndiowu Mini Stadium Project, two modern classrooms at Community Secondary School, Ndiowu, and an eight-room modern toilet facility at St. Lawrence Anglican Church, Ndiowu.
Since 2017, it has also sponsored UTME and SSCE examinations for more than 50 students annually within and beyond Orumba North and South Local Government Areas, while supporting skills acquisition programmes and the Ndiowu Sports Fiesta.
“When I support education, empower young people or contribute to community development, I see it as an investment rather than charity. I am investing in people.”
He said the greatest reward was seeing beneficiaries become independent and later help others. Onuorah concluded with a direct message to Ndiowu youths:
“Dream big, work hard, acquire useful skills, protect your name, respect people, stay away from crime and never be ashamed of starting small.”
He said a generation of disciplined and responsible young people would strengthen families, create jobs and contribute to the future development of Ndiowu.
