Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has inaugurated Abia State Steering Committee for Nationwide Youth Engagement Meeting with Mr. Chinenye Nwaogu as Chairman and Hon. Chinedu Henry Nwobilor, a person with physically disability representing of Abia state persons with disabilities in South east and at the federal level.
The Deputy Governor, Sir. Ude Oko Chukwu representing the governor speaking at the conference room said that the formation of the Committee became necessary because the fall out of #EndSARS protests in the country which made it imperative that youths should be carried along in decision making of the country.
He noted that after the protests, the Federal Government and Sub-Nationals agreed to galvanize the youths so that they be engaged in various discourse at all levels.
He informed that the National Executive Council came up with modalities asking State Government to set up its various steering Committees so that once in awhile they can discuss issues that bother them as it affects employment, wellbeing among other issues.
He observed that with the composition of the Committee, which represents virtually all sectors, all interest groups should be protected and issues affecting them be highlighted so that those issues that caused the #EndSARS protests would no longer be there.
Part of the terms of reference as read out includes: “To establish an accessible, credible, structured and sustainable platform of engagement that will give the youth from local communities room to ventilate ideas for state-based positions in the State, Zonal and National discourse.
“To Integrate and gainfully engage youths in skill for participatory governance by contributing in broad areas and issues that require attention, like wealth creation, employment, education, youth development, security and governance.”
Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman, Mr. Chinenye Nwaogu, represented by Mr. Paddy Anyatonwu, pledged that the committee, being aware of its enormous tasks, would do their best to ensure total and meaningful engagement of the youths so as to realize their objectives.
The Committee is made up of Chinenye Nwaogu as Chairman, with Smith Sylvanus, Paddy Anyatonwu, Newman Ubani Ubani, Daniel Chinagozi, Comrade John Nwakanma, Comrade Hope Onyema SUG Abiapoly, Henry Nwobilor( PWDs representative), Ikenna Ogudimkpa, Nelson Nwafor
Chibueze Apugo APC Youth Leader, Patrick Onwuka PDP Youth Leader, Ms Ruth Uzoma, Ms Ngozi Ogbonna, Ms Bridget Mary Kalu, Dr. Uche Ogbuka, Charles Ogu and Kenneth Okeahialam as members.
The Deputy Chief of staff, office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Don Ubani, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Ikpeoha were among those present at the event.
Hon. Henry Nwobilor told TQM that he would do his best to represent the interest of persons with disabilities in the committee and always put forward issues that would better lives of persons with disabilities.
