Anambra Government to Enforce 18–35 Youth Age Limit From January 2027
By Ogonna Ezebebe | IchieTimes
The Anambra State Government has announced that it will strictly enforce the 18 to 35-year age bracket for youth development programmes, youth organisations and leadership positions designated for young people from January 1, 2027.
The directive requires all youth organisations, associations and relevant institutions to review their membership, leadership structures and operational guidelines to ensure compliance before the deadline.
In a press release dated October 15, 2026, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, said the Ministry of Youth Development and relevant government agencies would no longer recognise youth organisations that fail to comply with the stipulated age limit from January 2027.
Omenugha explained that the policy was designed to ensure that opportunities intended for young people reach eligible beneficiaries, promote fairness and strengthen youth participation in leadership and development initiatives.
He said the directive aligned with the youth reformation agenda of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, which seeks to build a disciplined, productive, responsible and values-driven generation of young people.
The government, however, clarified that the policy was not intended to exclude citizens above 35 years from contributing to youth development.
According to the statement, experienced citizens would continue to play important roles through mentorship, guidance and support, while positions and opportunities specifically reserved for young people would be occupied by persons within the prescribed age bracket.
The government urged stakeholders to take advantage of the transition period to make the necessary adjustments ahead of the January 1, 2027 deadline.
It said the policy was intended to strengthen youth participation, promote accountability and advance the vision of a New Onye Anambra through purposeful youth reformation.
