The 2017 youth conference held in Awka, Anambra, on 7th September was a huge success as top government officials, investors and socialites turned up in masses to grace the social gathering of youths canvassing for peace and empowerment in the country.
The theme for the event was “Enhancing Youths participation in politics and building a generation of young business investors”.
The colourful event,packaged by Ayonac, started off in a unique way with an inspirational speech from comrade Onyekachi Divine before ushering in the discussants, which includes 2017 Anambra state governorship aspirant Under NCP Engr Chinedu Okplalanma,Barr Oscar Mac Obi (SA on youths and student affairs to the Senate President),Barr Chuma Egonu (Former Local Government Chairman, Ogbaru LGA),Comrade (I.G) Ibrahim Garba Wala,Comrade Nnonyelu Williams Oguegbe Mustapha,Comrade Chineme Oguegbe.
The discussants observed that non recognition of the youths in politics contributed significantly to the ongoing agitations in South East.
Vice President NYCN South East,Comrade Nnonyelu Williams Oguegbe Mustapha insisted that Anambra election must hold, adding, however, that political parties that failed to produce a youth as its candidate would not get the blessing and support of Anambra youths.
According to a political observer and rights activist , Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala,one of the negative things that have characterized democracy in Nigeria is marginalization of the youth who are the leaders of tomorrow.
Certainly, it is in the context of taking the bull by the horn that Engr Okplanma Chinedu declared his interest to run the race for the governorship seat of Anambra State against the high and mighty in November 18 governorship election in the State.
Okpalanma, a vibrant youth is aspiring to be governor of Anambra on the platform of the National Conscience Party(NCP). He is optimistic that the youths will give him maximum support to represent them at the higher level.
Barrister Chuma, a renowned political leader in Ogbaru , a densely populated suburb in Ogbaru Local Council of Anambra State, observed with dismay that in some cases, the youth are completely neglected and consigned to the back seat only to be used as thugs by political desperados.
Chuma is, therefore, of the opinion that as leaders of tomorrow, the youth have to be carried along today so as to get them prepared for tomorrow. He lamented that the old folks have failed to do the right thing by holding tight to the system and refusing to give the youth a chance to prove their mettle.
Barr Oscar Obi said that the group has a critical role to play as a grassroot movement, stressing that the current situation in the country demands that they rise to the occasion and consolidate support for the Progress of the state leaders ahead of the November 18th governorship election.
In a vote of thanks, the Transition National president of the Organization, Amb Phil Robert thanked the youths for engaging themselves, calling for more support for the present leadership. Also present at the event was the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots and Youth Mobilization, Engr Tony Uche and many others.
