The maiden Anambra Youths Conference over the weekend held in Awka, Anambra State Capital, with Governor Chukwuma Soludo reiterating his commitment to building a greater future for youths in the state.
At the event, it was all-friendly interaction and discussions, as the governor unveiled his plans for youth development and how the young people can key into the efforts of his administration.
The venue of the event, the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, was filled with youths as they contributed ideas on how best to make Anambra a better place.
From the APGA youths to the students wing, ASATU Youth and Ohanaeze, Governor Soludo listened to all and addressed their concerns.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Soludo made it clear that his administration has the interest of the youths at heart and will continue to provide and plan for the youths of Anambra State.
The Governor said any society that does not plan for the youths has no future and promised to continue creating job opportunities and enabling environment for the youths to thrive.
He assured his audience that more youths will be engaged through the One Youth Two Skills entrepreneurship programme and advised the youths to play their part in the Anambra project.
“For us, youth development is a critical area and that was why we have evolved so many initiatives aimed at achieving that.
“From the One Youth Two Skills initiative to the Solution Innovation District, to what we are doing in the education and health sectors and many other areas, it is all about securing a better future for the young people in Anambra State.
”We strongly believe that engaging the youths in a productive manner is a sure way to reduce crime, increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, while building a stronger and viable society,” the governor posited.
Noting that the youths will benefit most from the livable and prosperous Anambra agenda, Governor Soludo called on them to desist from crimes and join the government in making Anambra peaceful.
The Governor further pointed out the importance of education saying that there is no future without sound education.
He thanked the organizers of the program and advised them to make it an annual event as a platform to address key issues affecting the youths
In his remarks, the State Chairman of APGA , Barrister Ifeatu Obi-Okoye said the event is unique and maintained that getting every stakeholder onboard is part of the disruptive changes that will drive the Solution agenda.
Igwe Christopher Okpala of Akwaeze community on behalf of the traditional rulers commended Governor Soludo for making the youths the bedrock of his administration.
He advised the youths to always support the Governor’s good visions as they will benefit more on the long run.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Aghamba outlined many activities the Governor Soludo-led administration has for the Anambra youths both in the area of empowerment, sports, skill acquisition and job creation.
The Anambra State Youth Leader of APGA, Dr Tochukwu Obiadi who is the convener of the event, said the occasion was to interact with the governor and show solidarity for his visionary leadership.
He noted that Anambra youths are out to support Governor Soludo-led administration because of the achievements and purpose driven governance he has for the people of Anambra State.
Dr Obiadi encouraged the Governor to sustain the tempo and count on Anambra youths as partners in progress.
All other speakers including the leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students, SUG Presidents from all the higher institutions in Anambra State, ASATU Youth National President, Comrade Ken Okoli, Ohanaeze youth leadership, all lent their voices in solidarity to Governor Soludo led administration.
The event which lasted for hours and hugely successful, came to a climax as Governor Soludo received a pack from the youths tagged ” I Stand With Solution Employability Initiative” from the youths of Anambra State.
