REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on the executive arm of government to ensure strict compliance with the statutory youth age bracket in Youth Development Programmes in Anambra State.
This followed a motion sponsored by the Member representing Dunukofia Constituency Mr Chuks Azotani calling on the governor to direct the Commissioner for Youth and sports development to adhere to the National Youth Policy.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the House adjourned plenary to Tuesday July
for further legislative activities.
The National Youth Policy of Nigeria unequivocally defines youths as persons between the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty-five (35) years and prescribes the age bracket as the benchmark for eligibility in all youth-focused programmes, leadership development initiatives, appointments, empowerment schemes, and related activities;
The sponsor of the motion,Mr Azotani noted that the youth development policies and programmes are specifically established to empower, mentor, and create opportunities for young people within the prescribed age bracket, thereby promoting inclusive governance, economic empowerment, innovation, leadership development, and sustainable socio-economic growth.
Mr Azotani expressed worry that persons above the stipulated age continue to occupy positions and appointments meant for youth development.
Acording to him, adults who have grown past the statutory age bracket now dominate such opportunities.
He noted that the “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative of the Governor Charles Soludo administration has been largely benefited from by people older than the approved age limit.
Contributing to the debate, Mrs Mimi Azikiwe, representing Onitsha North constituency 1, described the situation as unfortunate and called for the introduction of a digitalised system to ensure proper age streamlining. She pointed out that sixty-five percent of the population is below the age of 35.
Mr Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru Constituency 1, said the motion is proactive and aims to ensure that what is right is done. He noted that it is unfair for persons above 35 years to continue occupying and taking slots designed for the youth.
The member representing Orumba South constituency, Mr Emma Nwafor decried the development, stating that over eighty percent of the beneficiaries in some programmes were above the age bracket stipulated by the National Youth Policy.
Mr Jude Akpua, representing Njikoka Constituency 2, who regretted that many Nigerians do not declare their real age, described the motion as timely and capable of addressing many anomalies in the society.
Mr Augustin Ike of Nnewi North Constituency said the resolution would save the state a lot of embarrassment and called for strict compliance by the executive.
Mr Golden Iloh of Ihiala Constituency 2 spoke on the adverse effects of not adhering to the age bracket in the National Youth Policy, noting that it would prevent the youth from becoming leaders of tomorrow.
For his part, Mr Nonso Atuchukwu, representing Nnewi Constituency 2, recommended that any violation by persons above the approved age applying for youth opportunities should be treated as an offence.
The Majority Leader, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme representing Ekwusigo constituency, supported the motion and backed the call to make it an offence while noting that proper implementation would help reduce the level of unemployment among youths in the state.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House Mr Somtochukwu Udeze who presidedovertheplenary, called on lawmakers to encourage youths in their constituencies to actively participate in government programmes, saying such would brighten the future of the society.
The resolution is expected to strengthen the implementation of youth empowerment initiatives across Anambra State.
