By Emmanuel Agbo, Abakaliki.
The Speaker of the Abakaliki Youths Parliament, Hon. Sunday Nwoba, has said the parliament was established to foster unity among young people in Abakaliki Local Government Area and provide a platform for nurturing future leaders, rather than engaging in conflicts with political or community stakeholders.
Nwoba stated this on Friday while addressing members during the parliament's weekly sitting in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
He explained that the parliament is open to all youths of Abakaliki Local Government Area irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that the organisation remains committed to supporting constituted authorities while promoting peaceful coexistence and youth development.
"The essence of this parliament is to unite and nurture the future of our youths, not to fight stakeholders. Every youth in Abakaliki Local Government Area is welcome here regardless of political party affiliation, but we also accord full respect to the government in power," he said.
The Speaker maintained that the parliament was founded on the principles of inclusiveness, discipline and service, adding that it has no affiliation with cultism, partisan politics or sectional interests.
According to him, "Whatever you are, drop it at home before coming to this parliament. Since we started, we have never asked anybody to pay one naira or buy drinks, but there is no day you attend our meeting without being entertained."
Nwoba also declared the parliament's support for the re-election of Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, in the 2027 governorship election, describing it as necessary for the continuity and consolidation of the administration's People's Charter of Needs agenda.
He disclosed that the parliament had concluded arrangements to embark on courtesy visits to key stakeholders across the local government to formally introduce the organisation and strengthen collaboration.
He added that members would also commence community sensitisation campaigns aimed at promoting positive values and encouraging youths to embrace responsible living.
The Speaker urged young people in the council area to join the parliament, assuring them that their interests would be adequately protected while encouraging them to engage in productive ventures for their personal development and the progress of society.
As part of its educational support initiatives, Nwoba announced that the parliament had awarded a scholarship to Miss Itumo Chidera, a student of Holy Rosary Academy, Ndiebor Amachi, covering her education from Junior Secondary School Two (JSS2) through Senior Secondary School Three (SS3).
He explained that the scholarship was presented during the school's end-of-2025/2026 academic session celebration, which was attended by members of the parliament.
The school is owned by Hon. Mbam Emmanuel, popularly known as Rasito, a member of the parliament.
Earlier, the Leader of the Parliament, Hon. Ekene Edeh, described the body as an inclusive platform designed to shape the future of youths in Abakaliki Local Government Area.
He urged members to adhere strictly to the parliament's guiding principles in order to realise its objectives.
Also speaking, Chinedu Mbam advocated transparency and an open-door policy in the administration of the parliament's affairs to enhance credibility and public confidence.
Similarly, Chinweike Nwankwo commended the leadership for establishing the parliament and urged members to sustain the spirit of unity that informed its formation.
He called on members to uphold truth, peace and teamwork while avoiding actions capable of undermining the organisation's growth.
The representative of Amachi Autonomous Community, Obinna Irem, appealed to members to embrace unity, peace and orderliness, while encouraging more youths across the local government area to participate in the activities of the parliament.
The motion for adjournment of the sitting was moved by Hon. Ekoroku Kenneth and seconded by Ebere Okorie.
The Abakaliki Youths Parliament holds its weekly meetings every Friday at Hon. Ekene Nweke's Car Wash, opposite Centenary City Junction, Abakaliki.
