...As commissioners, youth leaders rally support for empowerment, voter awareness, multilateral cooperation
By Victor Nwegede
The 2025 edition of the International Youth Week officially kicked off in Ebonyi State on Wednesday with a renewed call for technology-driven empowerment, multilateral cooperation, voter education, and unity among young people as catalysts for social transformation and national development.
The week-long event, themed “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnership,” was flagged off at the NYCN Annex Office in Abakaliki by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Hilary Obise, who represented the State Commissioner, Prince Richard Idike.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, Mr. Obise declared the event open and charged the youth to sustain their energy and innovation toward societal advancement.
“The youth council of Ebonyi is now the heartbeat of the state’s development agenda. The Governor, Right Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, sees the youth as a vital ally in his administration. I urge you to stay focused and united. Your time has come,” he said.
He commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports for his relentless drive and sacrifices, saying the rapid growth and visibility of the council under the leadership of Comrade Douglas Ochishi are proof of strategic planning and strong leadership.
Concluding the flag-off ceremony, Obise emphasized the centrality of youth in governance, while encouraging them to continue their support for Governor Nwifuru’s administration.
“You are the standby force of Ebonyi State. With you, the future is secure. Just stay on track because your harvest time is very near,” he said.
In a strong show of support, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, represented by Comrade Linus Nkwede, made a ₦500,000 cash donation on behalf of the ministry. He assured the youth of continuous partnership throughout the week’s activities.
“We are not just patrons in name; we are committed to walking this journey with you,” he declared, drawing cheers from hundreds of youths present.
In his welcome address, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State chapter, paid glowing tributes to the Commissioners for Youth and Sports as well as Works describing them as “digital leaders and moral pillars” of the youth movement in the state.
“This week is not about competition; it’s about cooperation. We’re not just organizing events — we’re mentoring the next generation to take over with honour, wisdom, and innovation,” he said.
He also urged forgiveness and reconciliation among youth groups, encouraging all to use the International Youth Week as a platform to build bridges for collective growth.
Comrade Andrew Chibueze Elom, National President of the Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum and Chairman of the occasion, emphasized the need to go beyond rhetoric and focus on meaningful empowerment.
“I prefer empowerment to mere building. When youths are empowered, they think development, not destruction. They create value and uplift others,” he said, urging governments at all levels to invest intentionally in the youth as a strategic national asset.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee and NYCN State Secretary, Comrade Onuoha Nwakpu Omenyi, gave a detailed rundown of the week’s itinerary, which included: "Day 2: Media advocacy on voter card registration at local radio stations, Day 3 & 4: Site visits showcasing Governor Nwifuru’s projects under the People’s Charter of Needs, Day 5: State-wide road walk in solidarity with the administration and Day 6: Grand Finale and Youth Conference at Re-Maritona Hotel in Abakaliki.
“We’re telling the youth that their voter’s card is their voice. That’s the only way to elect credible leaders,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Onyinyechi Nwankwo, President-General of the Ikwo Youth Consultative Council, urged all youth bodies in the state to work in synergy to promote a unified image of Ebonyi youth.
“No state can thrive where the youth are incapacitated. Ebonyi youths must cross-pollinate ideas and take pride of place on the global stage,” she said.
Similarly, Comrade George Nwoye, National President of the Ohanivo Youth Forum, described the gathering as a symbol of peace and proof of effective youth-centered governance.
“Only in a peaceful state can youth gather like this without fear. Governor Nwifuru is building and empowering. That’s rare,” he said.
In a passionate address, Mr. Lawrence Orji, Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, highlighted the council’s rebirth under the current administration.
“For years, the council was in disarray. Today, NYCN Ebonyi has become a reference point nationwide — from political mobilization to social awareness. They are setting the pace,” he declared.
He also commended the leadership of Comrade Ochishi for restoring credibility to the council and aligning youth activities with national development goals.
As the 2025 International Youth Week continues, stakeholders and observers agreed that the Ebonyi youth are setting the pace for constructive engagement, digital evolution, and strategic partnerships across Nigeria.
“Build the youth, build the nation. Empower the youth, empower the future,” echoed the crowd in unison — a mantra that now defines the new energy coursing through Ebonyi’s youth movement.
