By Chukwuma Odii
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has urged young people across Africa not to allow prevailing economic hardship and other challenges to determine their future, insisting that difficult times often produce great leaders and innovators.
The governor made the call yesterday at the opening of the six-day International Youth Leadership Boot Camp held at the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Auditorium, Abakaliki. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu.
Addressing more than 300 participants drawn from over 10 African countries, Nwifuru said the current economic realities should inspire youths to become solution providers rather than lose hope or seek opportunities elsewhere.
"You are coming of age in a difficult season. The cost of living is high and opportunities sometimes feel far. Many of your mates are scrolling through foreign flags, wondering if their future lies outside Nigeria. I understand that pain, but I also know that pain is the birthplace of power. Every great nation was built by youths who refused to be defined by hardship," he said.
The governor stated that his administration's People's Charter of Needs agenda deliberately promotes youth participation in governance through appointments into boards and government agencies, while also investing in infrastructure, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship to create opportunities for young people.
According to him, the government is committed to supporting innovation by providing an enabling environment that connects agricultural production to markets and reduces the risks faced by young entrepreneurs.
Nwifuru described the gathering of over 300 youths from different African countries for leadership training as encouraging, noting that it reflected the determination of the younger generation to acquire knowledge and build capacity rather than depend on handouts.
He urged the participants to embrace discipline, hard work, honesty and skill acquisition, stressing that sustainable development depends largely on the commitment of young people to nation-building.
The governor also encouraged the youths to believe in their communities and country, saying that great ideas often emerge from humble beginnings.
"Do not let anyone convince you that Ebonyi is too small to matter or Nigeria is too small to matter. The world's biggest ideas often start in the quietest places. Your village is not your prison; it is your launchpad," he said.
Nwifuru commended the President of One Youth Global, Mr. Uchechukwu Agbo, for organising the programme, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Ebonyi State.
He also appreciated the Ronald Reagan Foundation and other partners for supporting the initiative.
Earlier, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba, urged participants to avoid social media distractions and focus on developing practical solutions to the challenges confronting Nigeria and the African continent.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Michael Aja Nwachukwu, applauded One Youth Global for promoting youth development and expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the country.
In his address, the President of One Youth Global, Mr. Uchechukwu Agbo, said the organisation was established to empower young leaders across Africa through leadership training, workshops, intellectual competitions and mentorship programmes.
Agbo explained that the programme, themed "Raising Change Makers Across Africa," features leadership boot camps, debates and quiz competitions involving students from more than 10 African countries.
He, however, lamented that insecurity in Nigeria prevented delegates from some African countries from attending the event.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities, including renowned novelist and literary scholar Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Nnamdi Okezie and other distinguished guests.
Chukwuma Odii is the Public Relations Officer in the office of Chief of Staff,
Ebonyi State Government.
