The Abia State Orientation Agency (ABSOA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, has extended its Future Ready Youth Engagement Programme to Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, with a focus on promoting positive values, responsible citizenship and attitudinal change among young people.
The initiative, championed by the Director-General of ABSOA, Lady Ure Abazie, in partnership with the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, is aimed at discouraging social vices, particularly drug abuse, gambling and other negative behaviours, while equipping youths with the knowledge and skills needed for a productive future.
Speaking during the programme, Lady Abazie warned that poor decision-making, dishonesty, indiscipline and failure to consider the consequences of one’s actions could destroy opportunities and undermine public trust.
She urged young people to embrace integrity, discipline and accountability, stressing the importance of verifying information before sharing it, honouring commitments and making decisions based on long-term benefits rather than immediate gratification.
The ABSOA Director-General also called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers and community leaders to serve as positive role models, noting that responsible behaviour must be demonstrated through consistent actions.
Abazie explained that the Future Ready initiative aligns with the development agenda of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, particularly in building a generation of responsible, skilled and productive citizens.
She encouraged participants to reject harmful habits and embrace positive lifestyles, emphasising that while talent could open doors to opportunities, good character, sound judgement and dependability were essential for lasting success.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Ambassador Innocent Uruakpa, commended Governor Alex Otti for supporting youth development initiatives and appreciated ABSOA for bringing the programme to the council area.
Uruakpa identified gambling as another growing social menace among young people and called for increased efforts to address the challenge.
He also expressed the support of Isiala Ngwa North for Governor Otti’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Ifeoma Thomas, and the Special Assistant on Industry and SMEs, Lady Chinwe Kanu-Uba, encouraged youths to take advantage of the various empowerment and development programmes introduced by the Otti administration.
They warned that involvement in social vices could jeopardise future opportunities and urged young people to channel their energy towards productive ventures.
The programme featured presentations by resource persons drawn from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the legal profession, tertiary institutions, the health sector, the information technology sector and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Participants received guidance on the dangers of drug abuse, legal awareness, education, artificial intelligence, digital skills acquisition and healthy living.
The resource persons emphasised the importance of acquiring relevant knowledge and practical skills that would enable young people to contribute meaningfully to society.
The youths were also sensitised on electoral participation and encouraged to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), following an announcement at the event that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had commenced PVC distribution.
They were urged to reject voter apathy and participate actively in the democratic process, with speakers warning that low voter participation could create opportunities for electoral malpractice.
The Future Ready Youth Engagement Programme forms part of ABSOA’s ongoing efforts to promote value reorientation, civic responsibility and youth empowerment across Abia State.
