The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, has called on government, private sector operators and community leaders to take concrete steps to harness the energy, creativity and talents of Nigerian youths for sustainable development.
Orji made the call in a statement issued to commemorate International Youth Day, urging stakeholders to move beyond political rhetoric and ensure that young Nigerians are directly included in governance, economic planning and development initiatives.
The former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly said no meaningful community or national development agenda could succeed without the active participation of youths in critical decision-making processes.
According to him, empowering young people requires more than promises, stressing the need for quality education, practical skills acquisition, entrepreneurship funding, leadership training and other youth-focused economic programmes.
“Investing in young people must go beyond rhetoric. It requires practical, measurable commitments to quality education, hands-on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship funding, leadership training, and youth-focused economic initiatives designed to make young citizens self-reliant and productive.”
Orji, who pledged to support legislation and local programmes that place youths at the centre of socio-economic development, also challenged the popular description of young people as “leaders of tomorrow.”
He argued that youths should instead be recognised as active partners in driving development today, urging public office holders, private sector leaders and community stakeholders to create an enabling environment where youthful energy and innovation can translate into viable enterprises.
He further called on young Nigerians to remain ambitious, innovative and committed to community service despite the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.
“When we empower our youths, we are not only investing in individuals; we are investing in the future strength, prosperity, and stability of Nigeria,” Orji said.
He urged young Nigerians to continually acquire relevant skills, take advantage of emerging opportunities and remain confident in their ability to contribute meaningfully to national development.
