From Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
The Anambra State Town Union Council, Youth wing, have Inaugurated twenty youth leaders to man the it’s activities at the community level.
The event which was held on Saturday, during the weekend at the ASTUC Secretariat, Old Government House, Awka had in attendance state executives, local government coordinators, community youth executives as well as members from different youth organisations present.
In his remark, the ASTUC Youth Chairman, His youthfulness, Comrade Ken Okoli said the meeting was to welcome new members, give them orientation about their responsibilities in their various communities and inaugrate twenty youth leaders who will carry establish presence with effective service delivery down to the grassroot.
“We welcomed our new members and inaugurated twenty youth leaders who are inspired to be a beacon of hope to others, ensure peace and actively participate in the development of their communities.”
We need the support of the leader of the community represented by the town’s President General and the Igwe. The youth constituency is what we are in charge, whatever is being done in the community the youth leader has to be consulted. Leadership is key and for us as the young people we are not saying it is a position but one who has something attached to it. And for us as ASTUC youths we have been able to define our leadership by giving it a content which is contained in our article of facts titled, “I believe in Anambra”. I believe in Anambra is a template of our value systems that provides the guide upon which is written what we do and what we do not do. “So we are guided by that article of faith. They are twelve in number; fear of God, patriotism, self relevance, discipline, lie, truth, liberty, justice, community, dignity of labour, religious and ethnic tolerance, we are guided for these values.”
A seasoned youth leader, in his pep talk, Anambra State Permanent Secretary and former Youth Council Chairman, Hon Dr. Nwabufor Nwankwo described the youth activities in Anambra as a strong hold for youths. “ASTUC youth is the most veritable youth organisation in Anambra, because it is grassroot oriented, it tends to promote youths from their various communities, giving the the leeway to play significant roles in their various communities. ASTUC youths is every important in the leadership and development at the grassroot. At the grassroot level, the president general recognises you, and works with you.”
“I want to encourage you to be who you are in your various communities. When you talk about leadership, it entails alot, it embodies alot and this is important to know that answering a youth leader is not by saying but merging actions with words.”
He enumerated the qualities of a good leader to include, a leader should be truthful, have purpose, vision, mission, and be able to create impact.
Advising the youths Hon Nwankwo urged them not to take the opportunity for granted. “Do not take your leadership as if your playing, you are your own governors and mayors, so carry yourself as responsible stakeholder in the community. But whatever you do make sure you out your interest more than anyone else to become the best.”
Some of the newly appointed youth leaders who spoke to our correspondent expressed happiness over the outcome of the election and promised to ensure that the values of the council are held in high esteem.
Comrade Sunday Edwin Osita, from Achalla, Awka North Pointed that his mandate was to ensure that agriculture which Achalla is known for will be revived and make them sustainable.
Condemning the get-rich-quick syndrome and the insecurity situation in the country which he pointed out as major concerns deviating the youths from agricultural activities. “We must go back to what we are Known for. We want to key in mechanised farming, using empowerment as tool and targeting five person among the eight villages and training them for six months then choose another set and by the time we go a whole year or two we will achieve maximum results. This is apart from other skill acquisitions we will bring down to our youths to engage them and assist them become self reliant.
Also, Comrade Emmanuel Chigozie, youth leader from Anaku community, Ayemelum Local Govt said, “we have a blueprint for what we must do for our community Anaku which we have already started. So as it stands we have plans on the areas of employment, empowerment, and effectively tackle the increasing rate of drug abuse. we have the mandate of reducing crime to nearest minimum”. He promised to partner with the state government to achieve maximum outcomes.outcomes
