Addressing youths empowerment nexus is a moral and political imperative guiding most developed countries today. The 2003 European Security Strategy and the 2005 European consensus on development acknowledge that there cannot be sustainable development without youths empowerment which helps to eradicate poverty. In Abia today, youths empowerment is one important ingredient in this food of development Gov. Ikpeazu is cooking for his people. Gov. Ikpeazu has taken the bull by the horn to empower the youths to achieve and sustain social, economic and infrastructural development in the state.
For instance, in his appointments Gov. Ikpeazu of Abia State has been the only governor in the country today that engaged the youths by appointing them into strategic positions to take part in policy making in the state affairs. He believes in the saying ‘the youths are the leaders of tomorrow’. Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu’s objectives are based on the underlying principles of commitment to good governance, and the maintenance of those standard principles is achieved by engaging vibrant youths to be part of the policy making process in the state so as to achieve long-term economic and infrastructural growth in the state.
The youths are the pivotal tools to achieve good governance, the most powerful equipment to promote democracy and address some of the issues affecting human and infrastructural development of the state. There are clear links between youth empowerment and social development; to avert crises and conflicts, financial and infrastructural decay, every reasonable government must first engage the youths of the state at front burner of policy decisions just as Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has done.
Another giant stride of Gov. Ikpeazu is visible is in trade and commerce. With his right policies, made-in-Aba products have accelerated to a global brand. It has helped boost development and reduce poverty by generating growth through increased commercial opportunities and investment, as well as broadening the productive base through private sector development. It has facilitated our export diversification by allowing investors to invest in our products and materials which has opened up new production possibilities. Gov. Ikpeazu’s great awareness of our local products has helped in expanding business opportunities for our local industries in the state, opening up new markets and removing unnecessary barriers by making it easier for them to export.
Gov. Ikpeazu, who is on top gear to promote our local industries, is equally on the speed lane to provide extensive and efficient infrastructure across the state which is critical for ensuring the effective functioning of the state economy.
The gradual entrance to the dry season has reactivated the catapillar revolution of Gov. Ikpeazu to tackle roads that need to be fixed. The contractors are working assiduously hard to deliver the roads on time as we approach the festive period, especially the ones in Aba, the commercial hub of the state. This will help reduce the traffic congestion experienced in the ancient city. Abia has an amazing advantage and Aba, being the hub of SMEs in Nigeria today, is a major source of our strength and behooves on us to leverage on this factor to promote our local industries.
This is just but morning for Gov. Ikpeazu. He is driving a revolution in Abia State, and in less than four years in office, he has already imprinted his name in the hearts of the people. With Gov. Ikpeazu in the next four years, Abia will be better than he met it.
Kingsley Maduforo, is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Ikpeazu on Media.
