By Ndife David, Awka
As Anambra braces for the August 16th senatorial bye-election and the 2025 gubernatorial polls, the Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has urged young people to take active roles in civic engagement, community unity, cultural preservation and leadership development.
In an exclusive interview in Awka, the Anambra State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezekwu, emphasized the critical need for the youth to embrace their roles as change agents and defenders of Igbo values.
He stressed the enduring importance of leadership development, youth empowerment, and the role of traditional values in today’s society. He also highlighted the need for increased political awareness and collaboration between generations.
According to Mazi Okpalaezekwu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide will continue to play its pivotal role in promoting peace, progress, and political inclusion across the Southeast and the country at large. He said the organization is taking concrete steps toward building a more informed, inclusive, and unified youth movement in Anambra and beyond.
He urged young people to rise above ethnic divisions, political apathy, and social vices, and instead channel their energy into meaningful participation in governance, policy dialogue, and grassroots development.
“The future of Ala Igbo lies in the hands of our youth,” Mazi Okpalaezekwu declared. “You must be at the forefront, not just as observers but as active participants in civic processes. We are calling on you to register, vote, speak up, and organize constructively. Leadership is not only about politics—it is about influence, accountability, and service.”
He also called on Igbo youth to embrace unity in the face of mounting national challenges, warning that internal conflicts and divisions have consistently undermined the region’s collective progress.
Highlighting the importance of culture in shaping identity, the Ohanaeze leader encouraged young Igbos to remain rooted in their heritage, language, and traditions, noting that cultural preservation is as vital as political participation.
“Modernization should not erase our roots. We must balance progress with the preservation of our identity,” he stated.
“We are at a defining moment in our history. It is no longer acceptable for our youth to sit on the sidelines. They must be actively involved in governance, policy-making, and community development. Our strength lies in our unity, and it is through unity that we can reclaim our rightful place in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.”
Mazi Okpalaezekwu further revealed that the Anambra State Ohanaeze Youth Wing is set to launch a statewide campaign to promote voter education, peaceful coexistence, and responsible leadership ahead of the 2025 Anambra State Governorship elections.
