The Imo State Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Comrade Prince Stanley Ugochukwu Nze, has commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as significant infrastructure and development projects across the state, while urging the government to expand youth empowerment programmes.
Mr Nze, who spoke to journalists in Owerri on Tuesday, cited road infrastructure, the Orashi Electricity Project and the attraction of a Robotic and Oncology Surgery Centre, among others, as notable achievements of the Uzodimma administration.
He said the projects were encouraging commercial activities, productivity and social development, while contributing to improved peace, security and economic prospects in the state. He urged the governor and other officials of the administration to sustain democratic governance and ensure that the benefits of government reach more residents.
The NYC chairman pledged that his leadership would be inclusive and work closely with other youth organisations in the state to promote development. He also called on youth leaders to cooperate with the NYC leadership in advancing programmes that would improve the welfare and prospects of young people.
Mr Nze particularly urged the state government and the Ministry of Youth and Talent Hunt to intensify youth empowerment through employment opportunities, skills acquisition, trades, formal education and other initiatives capable of reducing poverty, hardship and vulnerability among young people.
“Looking at how impoverished the youth look, NYC leadership is not happy. Hence, we are going to work more closely with the Imo State Government and the Commissioner of Youth and Talent Hunt, Dr Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu, to ensure that the youth are richly empowered, especially through skills acquisition such as digital and ICT training, trades, including political positions either by election or appointment,” Mr Nze said.
He added that empowering young people would enable them to contribute more meaningfully to the state’s development, strengthen peace and security and help reduce crime.
Mr Nze also thanked the National President of the NYC, Engr. Jethro Annum, for appointing him as the Imo State chairman, pledging to serve the state’s youths diligently. “I cannot afford to disappoint them,” he said.
