Special Adviser to the Governor of Anambra State on Youth Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, has tasked youths of Ogbaru Local Government Area on the need for youth volunteerism, community participation and intentional living.
He stated this when he delivered the keynote address at the 4th Ogbaru Youth Parliament, held at Okoti Odekpe with the theme “Youths, Leadership & Opportunities.”
Speaking before over 1,000 young people, Omenugha emphasised that young people must move beyond waiting for opportunities to actively preparing for them. He said they must identify challenges within their various communities in Ogbaru Local Government and develop the skills, character and initiative to address them.
Reporting how the event went, he said: “I encouraged the Ogbaru youths to become active contributors to community development by volunteering their time and talents, participating in local decision-making, initiating neighbourhood improvement projects, mentoring younger people and using their skills to solve real problems.
“Through community service, they can build experience, demonstrate leadership and create pathways to greater opportunities. I urged the young people to leave the parliament with a commitment to do something meaningful for Ogbaru.
“I commend Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze for consistently providing this important platform for youth engagement, leadership development and civic participation. Such initiatives are essential to raising a generation that understands both its rights and its responsibilities. In appreciation, I made a symbolic presentation of “Ife nke Obodo” caps to Mr Speaker.
The SPAD had earlier attended the inauguration of the leadership and directorate of the Anambra State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Awka where he spoke on “The Paradigm Shift: The Leadership You Deserve.”
He said: “My message was direct: Our young people must stop complaining about leadership and start becoming the change they demand. We cannot build a better society with a mindset that excuses irresponsibility while condemning poor leadership. The leadership we deserve begins with the leadership we practice – in our homes, schools, communities, institutions and public life. The paradigm must shift from entitlement to responsibility, from criticism to constructive participation, and from waiting for change to becoming agents of change. Congratulations my dear Nwaebili Nonso, Esq, State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) & newly inaugurated team.
“At Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, I joined the Young African Girls Conference (YAGC) in solidarity with the girl child and in support of the next generation of African female leaders. Empowering girls is an investment in leadership, innovation and the future of our society. Every girl deserves the confidence to dream, the opportunity to develop her potential, and the platform to lead.
“From Awka to Ogbaru and Igbariam, the message remains the same: we must raise a generation that takes responsibility, leads with character, serves with purpose and transforms opportunities into impact.
“This is the heart of our youth reformation mission under Mr Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR. Government cannot do it alone. Parents, schools, traditional institutions, faith communities, civil society and every well-meaning citizen must join hands to shape the young people who will shape our future.
“The future is not built by young people who merely demand a better society, but by those who prepare themselves to build one. Reformation begins with YOU,” he wrote.
