Okoli: Youths Must Choose Leaders Wisely

The Youth Wing of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) has honoured reputable individuals from Anaocha Local Government Area as role models, charging young people to embrace positive values and be more deliberate in choosing those they support for leadership positions.

The event, held at the Neni Civic Centre, Neni, is part of an ASTUC Youth initiative through which communities in each local government area identify and honour individuals whose lives and contributions provide worthy examples for younger generations.

Speaking at the event, ASTUC Youth President, Comrade Ken Okoli, said the initiative was designed to do more than celebrate individuals, stressing that it was about promoting shared values and giving young people positive examples to look up to.

Okoli explained that ASTUC represents the collective strength of town unions in Anambra State, adding that the youth wing was using the platform to encourage a culture where integrity, discipline, hard work, service and responsible leadership are valued.

He said the initiative had become necessary because of the influence of individuals who, through their activities and display of questionable wealth, could mislead young people.

According to Okoli, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, through the Homeland Security Law, was taking steps to rid the state of people who encourage youths to pursue wealth through illegal means.

He said that as such negative influences were being removed, society must provide young people with positive alternatives.
Okoli said the role models being honoured were expected to help fill that gap by showing, through their lives, that success could be achieved through legitimate work, discipline and service to society.

He also challenged the three All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates contesting the Anaocha I, Anaocha II and Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal Constituency seats to lead by the shared values being promoted by the ASTUC Youth Wing.

He urged them not to disappoint the youths who look up to them, while pledging the support of the youth wing to the aspirants.
Okoli further urged young people to take their responsibility as voters seriously, saying they should examine the records, character and manifestos of candidates before deciding who to support.

In his words, the role-model initiative would continue across other local government areas, with communities expected to identify people whose conduct and contributions could inspire the next generation.

Earlier, Anaocha youth leader, Mr Akaolisa Asiegbu, welcomed guests to the Neni Civic Centre and thanked the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, for accepting to chair the occasion.

Asiegbu commended the ASTUC Youth Wing for working as a team and expressed appreciation to the personalities selected for recognition.

One of the awardees and APGA candidate for Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal Constituency, Prince Chukwudi Oli, pledged to maintain a close relationship with the youths.

Oli said he had put aside other engagements to attend the event because of his love for young people, stressing that “our tomorrow is today, not tomorrow.”

He said those honoured as role models must conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the recognition and pledged, on behalf of the awardees, not to disappoint the youths.

He also urged young people to be discerning in choosing their leaders, advising them to examine candidates’ records, study their manifestos and reflect carefully before making their choices.

“If the youths come together, 90 per cent of our problems will be solved,” he said.

Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon. Romanus Ibekwe, announced plans for the commissioning of skill acquisition centres at Akwaeze and Neni, as well as the provision of ambulances for the local government.

Ibekwe also appreciated Governor Soludo for his support and what he described as a leadership style that gives attention to young people.

Among those honoured at the event were Prince Felix Oli, former Anaocha council chairmen, Hon. Patrick Onyedum, Hon. Ejiofor Ikeobi and Hon. Gerald Ozoh.

Others were Chief Ndubuisi Obiadi, Hon. Nnaemeka Ugha, Dr Cletus Obianodo, Barr. Jideofor Okongwu, Engr. Cosmos Eweni and Chief John Ezeanidike.