REPORTER: OBY ARINZE
The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze, has called for the full implementation of the “Not Too Young To Run” law to give Nigerian youths greater opportunities to participate in politics, governance and leadership.
Mr Udeze made the call in a goodwill message to mark this year’s International Youth Day.
He said youths remained a veritable instrument for societal reformation and growth, stressing that their education, knowledge, technical skills and character would determine the future of the nation.
The Speaker urged governments at all levels to create an enabling environment where young people could develop their talents and acquire the skills needed for leadership.
He commended the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for empowering more than thirty-six thousand youths across the state through various skills acquisition programmes.
Mr Udeze said some beneficiaries had acquired digital skills, accessed grants worth five-point-five billion naira and established businesses, while the One Million Anambra Digital Tribe Initiative was also ongoing.
The Anambra House of Assembly Speaker said the Eightieth Anambra State House of Assembly had prioritised youth-oriented legislation, recalling that the Assembly enacted a law in 2020 for the establishment of the State Youth Development and Empowerment Commission.
He added that legislation restricting beneficiaries of youth development programmes in the state to persons between eighteen and thirty-five years would soon be passed.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Mr Udeze reminded youths of their important role in shaping the future of the country.
He urged them to shun drug abuse, rape, cultism, electoral violence and other acts capable of destroying their future.
The Speaker encouraged the youths to embrace positive values and use their talents and energy to contribute meaningfully to the development of society.
