The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, has pledged its full support for the youth development agenda of the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Chidiebere Onyia, following a courtesy visit to his office at the Centenary City, Abakaliki.
The Council said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Ministry in advancing youth-focused programmes and promoting sustainable development across the state.
Receiving the delegation, Onyia expressed gratitude to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for appointing him to serve as Commissioner and for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Ministry.
He assured that he would justify the confidence reposed in him, stressing that public service provides invaluable experience that prepares young leaders for greater responsibilities.
"I will not disappoint the Governor or the people of Ebonyi State. The exposure and experience we gain while serving can never be taken away from us. Many of the founding fathers we celebrate today, including Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Chief Offia Nwali, Dr. Chris Nwankwo and Chief Martin Elechi, started leadership at a young age," Onyia said.
The Commissioner disclosed that he was pleased to learn he had once served as an executive member of the Ebonyi State Youth Council during the tenure of Elder Sam Igwe, describing youth development as a collective responsibility that requires close partnership between government and youth organisations.
He called on young people to continue supporting the administration of Governor Nwifuru, describing the government's programmes and policies as youth-centred.
According to him, about 97 per cent of members of the State Executive Council are youths, while initiatives such as overseas scholarship programmes, ICT University scholarships and youth empowerment schemes reflect the administration's commitment to building the capacity of young people.
Onyia also urged youths to shun political violence, destructive criticism and actions capable of undermining one another, encouraging them instead to embrace innovation, self-development and skills acquisition.
He assured the Council that the Ministry would remain open to constructive engagement, partnership and ideas capable of advancing youth development in the state.
Earlier, the State Chairman of NYCN, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, described the Ministry as the home of Nigerian youths and said the Council considered it necessary to formally identify with the new Commissioner.
Ochishi commended Governor Nwifuru for the cabinet reshuffle that brought Onyia to the Ministry, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver on the state's youth development mandate.
He explained that the Council operates through four structures comprising the State Council, Elders' Forum, Board of Trustees and Directorates, and pledged the organisation's unwavering support for the Commissioner.
The NYCN chairman also informed the Commissioner that this year's National Youth Week celebration would hold from August 6 to 12.
Also speaking, Mr. Sam-Chi Mgada congratulated Onyia on his appointment, describing him as a role model and mentor whose achievements in previous public office had inspired confidence among young people.
"We are handing ourselves over to you as our leader. We believe you will do even better in this Ministry. We ask that you continue to mentor, advise, support and empower young people," Mgada said.
A member of the Elders' Council, Elder Ukpai Okechukwu, described Onyia's appointment as timely and expressed optimism that his youthful leadership would further strengthen youth development in Ebonyi State.
He assured the Commissioner of the Council's total support and urged him to continue championing programmes that would positively impact the lives of young people and promote the state's development.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Spanish Nwankwo appealed to the Commissioner to facilitate a meeting between the NYCN leadership and Governor Nwifuru to enable the Council present its operational challenges, particularly the need for official vehicles and other logistics to enhance its activities.
He commended the resilience of the State Chairman, Comrade Douglas Ochichi, for keeping the Council active despite prevailing challenges and reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to working with the Ministry.
The highlight of the visit was the decoration of Hon. Onyia as Patron of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, and the presentation of a souvenir in recognition of his commitment to youth development and the Council's readiness to partner with the Ministry for the advancement of youths in the state.
