Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with credible civil society organisations and development-focused institutions to promote education, skills acquisition, youth leadership and sustainable community development.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, stated this during the inauguration of the Dream Heaven Youth Foundation (DHYF) at Okpu-Umuobo, Aba, held under the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation, Transforming Communities, Building Hope, Excellence and Creating Sustainable Futures.”

Ubochi, who was represented by the Head of the Ministry’s Public Relations Unit, Mrs Duru Marvellous, said the state government remained focused on transforming the education sector and equipping children and young people with relevant knowledge, skills and leadership capacity.

He said the programmes of DHYF aligned with the education transformation agenda of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, particularly in the areas of free and compulsory education, technology and skills development, leadership training, youth empowerment and teacher recruitment.

The Commissioner disclosed that the state government had recruited 5,394 teachers, while the recruitment of an additional 4,000 teachers was ongoing, describing the development as further evidence of the administration’s commitment to strengthening human resources in the education sector.

Ubochi commended DHYF for aligning its programmes with relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education, No Poverty, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Partnerships for the Goals.

He described the Foundation as an initiative that goes beyond charity by promoting sustainable development and creating lasting opportunities for young people.

The Commissioner pledged the Ministry’s support for the Foundation and assured that the government would continue to collaborate with credible stakeholders to ensure that Abia children and youths are educated, protected, empowered and given opportunities to thrive.

He congratulated the Founder and Executive Director of DHYF, Rev. Dr Emmanuel U. Francis Umanah, the Board, partners and other stakeholders, expressing confidence that the Foundation would contribute meaningfully to youth development in Abia State and beyond.

In his welcome address, Umanah said the Foundation was established to address challenges confronting children and young people, particularly those affected by poverty and limited access to education and skills.

He said DHYF was conceived as a long-term institution committed to educating, training, healing, feeding and mentoring children and youths, while creating opportunities for them to build productive futures.

According to him, empowering children and equipping young people with relevant skills, character and opportunities would contribute significantly to family welfare, economic growth and community development.

Umanah called for stronger collaboration among government, traditional institutions, community leaders, the private sector, faith-based organisations, philanthropists, mentors and volunteers to advance the Foundation’s mission.

He also urged young people not to allow difficult beginnings to define their future, encouraging them to view setbacks as stepping stones to greater accomplishments.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, HRH Eze P.C. Onyegbu, JP, Ugwu N’Eche Mba I of Ugwu-Nkpa Autonomous Community, Bende LGA, commended Umanah for establishing the Foundation and appreciated the Commissioner for honouring the event.

The traditional ruler described the development of children and youths as a collective responsibility and said the theme of the event was timely, given the challenges confronting the younger generation.

He also commended DHYF’s governance structure and focus on measurable outcomes, expressing optimism that the Foundation would help bridge the gap between the potential of young people and meaningful opportunities.

Eze Onyegbu called on government, the private sector, churches, traditional institutions and well-meaning citizens to support the Foundation’s programmes.

The highlight of the event was the official unveiling and inauguration of the Dream Heaven Youth Foundation by the Commissioner.