By Chizoba Okeke
The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure strict compliance with the National Youth Policy by limiting participation in youth development programmes, appointments and empowerment initiatives to persons between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Dunukofia Constituency, Hon. Chuks Azotani, and co-sponsored by 16 lawmakers during plenary on July 7.
Moving the motion, Hon. Azotani expressed concern over the increasing involvement of individuals above the statutory youth age limit in programmes designed exclusively for young people, saying the practice deprives eligible youths of opportunities for empowerment, leadership development, entrepreneurship and economic advancement.
“It is unfortunate that many individuals above the age of 35 continue to occupy spaces and benefit from programmes meant for youths, thereby denying qualified young people the opportunities intended for them,” Azotani said.
He argued that allowing over-aged persons to benefit from youth-focused initiatives undermines the credibility of government policies, weakens transparency and fairness, limiting access to programmes established to promote youth development.
Contributing to the debate, the member representing Onitsha North Constituency I, Hon. Mimi Azikiwe; the member representing Aguata Constituency I, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke; the member representing Ogbaru Constituency I, Hon. Noble Igwe; the member representing Orumba South Constituency, Hon. Emma Nwafor; and the Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, unanimously supported the motion.
The lawmakers also advocated the digitisation of the beneficiary selection process for youth programmes, saying it would enhance transparency, accountability, ensuring that only qualified youths within the approved age bracket benefit from government interventions.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, encouraged lawmakers to continue motivating young people in their constituencies to participate actively in youth development initiatives, noting that empowering the younger generation remains critical to the state’s sustainable growth and socio-economic development.
Following a voice vote, the House adopted the motion and resolved to urge the Governor to direct the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports to strictly enforce the 18–35 years age limit stipulated in the National Youth Policy for all youth-related programmes and initiatives across Anambra State.
Chizoba Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
