Engr Emeka Okoye declares for Awka Youth chairmanship, unveils five point agenda

By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes

Engr. Emeka Okoye, Chairman of Agbana Village, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Chairman of the Awka Youth Wing in the forthcoming Awka Development Union Nigeria, ADUN, election.

Okoye made the declaration before the Awka General Assembly, where he said his decision followed extensive consultations with his family, village leaders, youth stakeholders and elders across Awka.

He said his ambition was driven by the need to build a more united, secure and economically productive Awka Youth, particularly at a time when young people are confronted with challenges including unemployment, insecurity, disunity and declining communal values.

According to him, his administration, if elected, would be anchored on a five point agenda focused on accountability and transparent leadership, security and restoration of communal values, youth development and economic empowerment, unity and inclusive governance, as well as community development and strategic partnerships.

On accountability, Okoye promised to run an open and transparent administration, with regular disclosure of the Youth Wing’s income and expenditure.

He said public resources meant for Awka youths would be treated as a collective trust and used for the benefit of the wider youth population.

On security, the aspirant said he would work with the Awka Development Union, traditional institution and relevant security agencies to strengthen community policing and security structures.

He also proposed the revival of communal activities, including monthly sanitation, respect for elders and the Igba Boi apprenticeship system, which he described as important to youth development and self reliance.

Okoye said his youth development programme would focus on skills acquisition, sports and talent discovery, access to legitimate government grants and financing opportunities, as well as partnerships with the private sector.

He said his administration would prioritise opportunities that enable young people to acquire skills, establish businesses and secure employment rather than depend solely on periodic distribution of relief items.

On unity, Okoye said the 33 villages of Awka would receive equal attention under his leadership, stressing that no village or quarter was more important than another.

He pledged to promote inclusive representation across Ayom na Okpala, Ezi Awka, Ifite Awka, Nkwelle, Amachalla n’ato, Agulu Awka and Amikwo.

The aspirant also promised to strengthen partnerships between Awka youths, government agencies, private organisations, non governmental organisations and investors to attract development opportunities and employment initiatives to the community.

Okoye urged the 99 delegates expected to determine the next leadership of the Awka Youth Wing to assess his track record in Agbana before deciding on the election.

He said he was not presenting himself as a perfect candidate, but as a leader willing to listen, consult, account for public resources and work for the collective interest of Awka youths.

The aspirant concluded his declaration with a call for unity and collective action, saying the future of Awka Youth should be built around security, productivity, opportunity and shared responsibility.