Igbo Youth Leaders Back SEDC, Seek More Federal Appointments for South-East Youths
AWKA – Igbo youth leaders and stakeholders from across the seven Igbo-speaking states have expressed support for the leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) while calling on President Bola Tinubu to create more opportunities for South-East youths in federal appointments.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Convention held on June 18 and 19 in Awka, Anambra State.
The delegates commended President Tinubu for establishing the SEDC, describing the commission as a significant step towards addressing the developmental challenges of the South-East. They also praised the Federal Government for ongoing road construction and other infrastructure projects across the region.
Speaking after the convention, the Convener of the Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, said the region appreciated the administration's efforts but believed more could be done to integrate young Igbo professionals into national governance.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the South East Development Commission and for the infrastructure projects currently being executed across Ala-Igbo.
"At the same time, we appeal for greater inclusion of Igbo youths in federal agencies and parastatals.
"Our young people possess the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit needed to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
The convention also examined recent public discussions surrounding the operations of the SEDC and stressed that transparency and accountability remained essential to the commission's success.
According to the communiqué, public scrutiny should be viewed as a necessary component of good governance and institutional development.
“Transparency and accountability are critical to building public trust. The SEDC must remain open to stakeholder engagement and ensure that Igbo youths are actively involved in shaping the programmes and policies of the commission,” Okpalaezeukwu added.
Participants at the convention adopted a proposal for the development of an Integrated Youth Development Master Plan for Ala-Igbo.
They said the initiative would provide a framework for addressing youth development challenges through a renewable five-year strategic action plan focused on employment, entrepreneurship, education and productivity.
On calls by some groups for the removal of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEDC, Mr. Mark Okoye II, the delegates rejected the demand, insisting that leadership stability was necessary at this formative stage of the commission.
“The call for the removal of Mr. Mark Okoye II is not in the best interest of Ndi Igbo at this time.
"The commission is still laying its foundation, and stability is important if it is to deliver on its mandate for the people of the South-East,” the communiqué stated.
The convention also reviewed the security situation in the South-East. While commending governors of the region for their efforts in addressing insecurity, participants urged them to intensify measures aimed at restoring lasting peace and safeguarding lives and property.
The communiqué noted that sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of security and stability.
“Security remains a collective responsibility.
"We are ready to work with state governments and the Federal Government to confront insecurity and create an environment where businesses can thrive and our people can live without fear,” the youth leaders said.
The communiqué was endorsed by representatives of various youth and socio-cultural organisations, including Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Convener, Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly; Uzoh Ifeanyi C., Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; and Livingstone Wechele, Chairman of the State Presidents Forum of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Others are Comrade Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, Coordinator, Zone F, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); Comrade Engr. Smith Sylvanus, Chairman, Abia State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN); Comrade Engr. Emeka Obi, Chairman, Anambra State NYCN; and Comrade Douglas Ochishi, Chairman, Ebonyi State NYCN.
Also endorsing the communiqué were Comrade Bartholomew Okoh, Chairman, Enugu State NYCN; Comrade Rikki Nwajiofor, Speaker, Ndigbo Youth Parliament; Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, President, Ohanaeze Youth Council; Ogbonnia Wenceslaus of the Ohanaeze Youth Wing; and Hon. Osita K. Ozalagba, President, Association of South East Community Youth Leaders.
Tags: #SEDC #SouthEastYouths #IgboStakeholdersConvention
Posted by FRONTLINE AFRICA
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