The Abia State Deputy Governor Engr Ikechukwu Emetu has enjoined the youth not to be deceived by psychologically hungry politicians who do not mean well for them and the state.
Speaking when he received in audience the Umunnechi Youth Congress (UYC) at his conference room in Government House, Umuahia, Emetu reminded them that as 2027 election is drawing close, such politicians will surface with sugarcoated tongues to deceive them and warned that they should not because of the present global economic situation accept and fall into their snare.
He reminded them that youths occupy 65 percent of the population in Nigeria but frowned that sometime through their activities put themselves make some politicians to misbehave by supporting those who do not have the capacity to lead just because they are closely related.
Emetu who decried the level of decay in the state prior to the administration of Governor Alex Otti, informed them that over 193 billion Naira owned by the previous administrations have been reduced to less than 90 billion.
He disclosed that the Abia Industrial Innovative Park upon completion was designed to engage the youth meaningfully and provide a gainful employment to many and encouraged them to be patient with Gov. Otti’s administration, assuring, “We are not there yet but definitely we will get there”.
Presenting an address earlier on behalf of Umunnechi Youth Congress, Engr. Uzoigwe Simon proposed collaborations in the areas of Youth empowerment through education – scholarships and mentorship programmes; promotion of youth participation in governance among others.
He disclosed that youths are concerned about unemployment and economic empowerment, access to quality education and skill acquisition, healthcare and wellness and civic engagement and participation in governance.
While appreciating Gov. Alex Otti making the most critical aspect of governance which is ensuring that lives and property are protected, he recalled, “Before now, Abians suffered setbacks due to insecurity especially those of us from Umunnechi, we were hit by it like a tsunami, lives were lost, businesses crippled”.
