Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State has urged the youth to emulate role models who have left lasting legacies in the state through their ingenuity and accomplishments.
He reminded them that their individual and collective inputs in society would always determine their future, that of the state and the nation’s, adding that there is no way they could attain greater heights if they were not inspired.
The occasion was the 9th Chief Emeka Anyaoku Lecture Series on “Good Governance,” held yesterday at Art Nouveau Event Centre, in the state capital.
The governor noted that through the proactive efforts of his administration the state was gradually regaining its pride of place as it held bright future for the youth and the entire citizenry.
While urging the youth to always encourage one another for a better tomorrow, ihedioha prognosticated that as the country marched into another decade of developmental strides, there was the need to emulate Anyaoku to inspire the present and coming generation of leaders on good governance.
He described the former Commonwealth Secretary-General as a role model, great mobilizer and an accomplished compatriot with exceptional leadership qualities.
Governor Ihedioha commended Anyaoku “for finding the state worthy to host the event, and at a period we’re rekindling the Imo spirit at a period we’re envisioning a new Imo and at a period we’re getting our hope back. Today, I’m happy to say Imo is coming back to life.”
Earlier in their remarks, Anyaoku, senator Ben Obi, chairman of the occasion, chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, paid growing tributes to Ihedioha.
“I must say that in all the states in the country I count Imo State as one of the fortunate ones in having as its chief executive, a man who has made his records enviable. He is a man in whom I’m quite sure will place the confidence of good things ahead of the state,” Anyaoku stated.
The keynote speakers: Dr. Reuben Abati and senator Shehu Sani tasked the government to put in place policies that would drive youth empowerment and development.
They urged the youth to shun the get-rich quick syndrome and imbibe the culture of hard work, saying this made the celebrant to excel in his youthful days.
Abati expressed regret that 65% of over 80 million youth population in the country was unemployed while 25℅ of the youth population was underemployed.
This, he said, poses a great danger which is capable of generating tension and crisis in the country.
Present on the occasion were past governors: chief Achike Udenwa, chief Ikedi Ohakim; former deputy governors in the state, former ministers; chief I. D. Nwoga, senator Ben Obi; traditional rulers, scholars, among others.
The theme was “Youth and Challenges of Nation Development.”
The CPS, Chibuike Onyeukwu, signed the statement.
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NIGERIAN HORN
