The newly inaugurated Ebonyi State Chapter of the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC) has urged the political leaders and stakeholders across the country to prioritize youth development or risk endangering the nation's future.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of SNYC Executives Ebonyi State chapter in Abakaliki, Comrade Kingsley Chinedu Ekoyo, the pioneer Chairman of SNYC in Ebonyi State, declared that the prosperity or peril of any nation depends largely on the state of its youth population.
“Build the youth, you have built the nation. Scatter the youth, you have scattered the nation,” Ekoyo warned in a passionate address.
He emphasized that the inauguration was not just a ceremonial event but a signal of the group’s commitment to champion youth inclusiveness, moral reawakening, and strategic empowerment across Ebonyi and beyond.
Ekoyo thanked the national leadership of the SNYC for the confidence reposed in him and his team, pledging to lead with purpose, integrity, and action.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for policies that reflect a commitment to youth inclusion.
“Governor Nwifuru is youthful and useful. Through his People's Charter of Needs mantra, he is already making positive impacts. We, as youths, are ready to complement these efforts,” he said.
The SNYC Chairman expressed concern over the rising tide of social vices perpetrated mostly by young people, including drug abuse, cybercrime, and insecurity.
He said that before youths can be effectively included in governance, they must first embrace personal discipline and social responsibility.
“We must begin with attitudinal change. We cannot keep blaming the government when we’re not ready to change ourselves. Our youths must reject destructive behaviors and embrace values that attract respect and opportunities,” he stated.
As part of its strategic plans, the SNYC announced a forthcoming statewide sensitization tour across all 13 local government areas of Ebonyi.
He said the campaign will involve town hall meetings, engagement with local youth councils, and educational outreaches to schools and communities.
“We are going to talk to our fellow youths, not just about governance, but about life — the dangers of drugs, the consequences of crime, and the importance of constructive living,” Ekoyo noted.
He also pledged the readiness of the SNYC to work with government agencies, security institutions, and civil society groups to create platforms for youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and active civic participation.
While reaffirming the group’s non-partisan stance, Comrade Ekoyo noted that the SNYC will support any political leader or candidate committed to good governance and youth empowerment.
“2027 is still far away. For now, our interest is not in politics but in purpose. We want to build a generation of young people who can think, lead, and change the narrative of this country," he added.
He called on the Ebonyi State Government, traditional rulers, religious bodies, and private sector players to support the mission of SNYC in transforming the youth landscape across the state.
“We have taken an oath to uphold the mandate of the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress. We are not just here to speak, we are here to act for the betterment of our state, our region, and our nation,” he declared.
