By Christian ABURIME
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has admonished the youths to strive to be the solution, than the problem of the society.
The Governor made the call at the International Convention Centre, Awka during the second edition of the Anambra Youth Conference.
Governor Soludo who revealed that without the youth’s participation, building the society wouldn’t be possible, called for value re-orientation as it was in years past.
“The society must start asking people what they do for a living. I am encouraged when I see the youthpreneurs when I go around the state, putting in hard work to make a living, rather than looking for free money.
“Together, let’s rescue this society,” the Governor stated.
The Governor pointed out that the crop of youths he sees in Anambra gives him hope about the great future of Nigeria and reiterated the admonition for the youths to be the change that they want to see.
“My government is for the youths as can be seen in the composition of my cabinet. We have a huge agenda for our youths and we are determined to unveil all and have them take advantage of them”.
The Governor continued that the “One Youth Two Skills” empowerment is already ongoing, at the end of which youths will be empowered with 2.5 billion to 3 billion naira; and even more grants from ASBA
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba gave a status report of the “One Youth Two Skills” Empowerment initiative, saying that the programme is fully on course.
Mr. Aghamba stated the youth conference offers a significant opportunity to an important segment of the society, coming when Anambra state is singled out as the shining light in the youth development in Nigeria and added that the youth is a top priority in the solution agenda.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme recalled issues surrounding youth development in the state, such as the “sit at home”, drug abuse and other social vices, usually associated with the youth, asking them to always prefer solutions and called for focus on what unites, rather than what divides.
Earlier, the State Youth Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Dr. Tochukwu Obiadi revealed that the event is not a state focused event but that it aligns with the global mission of international youth conference.
Dr. Obiadi added that the event is pivotal in youth engagement and offers a veritable platform for youth engagement.
The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi and a cross section of various youth bodies in the state, attended the event.