By Emeka Ilozor
The Member representing Njikoka Constituency 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Ibemeka, has called on youths in Enugwu-Ukwu, Nawfia and Enugwu-Agidi to embrace skills acquisition, innovation, discipline and active participation in community development. Ibemeka made the call in a goodwill message to mark the 2026 International Youth Day, celebrated annually on August 12, with this year’s theme, “Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development.”
The lawmaker described youths as the strength, vision and future of society, noting that young people are already contributing meaningfully to the development of Njikoka Constituency 1 rather than waiting for the future before taking up leadership responsibilities.
According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration underscores the importance of empowering young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities required to become self-reliant and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Ibemeka disclosed that he had earlier initiated skill acquisition centres at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Enugwu-Ukwu, and Immanuel Anglican Church, aimed at equipping youths with practical and market-ready skills.
He listed the areas of training to include fashion, confectionery, shoe and bag making, hair-making, renewable energy and other vocational skills, stressing that the initiative was designed to provide young people with the tools needed to become economically independent and create employment opportunities for others. “The goal is simple: to give our youths the tools to be self-reliant, create jobs and drive sustainable growth in Njikoka Constituency 1,” he said.
The legislator urged youths to take full advantage of the skill acquisition centres, learn viable skills, establish businesses and, in turn, mentor others. He also encouraged them to participate actively in community development, embrace innovation, protect the environment and take an interest in governance and public affairs.
Ibemeka further cautioned young people against seeking shortcuts to success, warning that such choices could jeopardise their future and urged them to embrace discipline, collaboration, hard work and excellence.
He assured them of his continued commitment to supporting programmes that translate opportunities and policies into tangible benefits for the people calling on the youths of Njikoka Constituency 1 to see themselves as active partners in building a prosperous and sustainable future.
Emeka Ilozor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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