South-East Governor’s forum: Anambra former SSG lauds unity of purpose -------tasks youths to be focused in life

www.odogwublog.com reports that the immediate past Secretary to the Anambra state Government, Mr Oseloka H. Obaze yesterday lauded the five South-East Governors for coming together to tackle the numerous challenges facing Ndigbo as a family..

Obaze lauded the Ohaneze-Ndigbo leadership led by Chief John Nwodo for his steps so far even as he tasked Nigerian youths to ensure they are focused and determined to succeed in life against all odds.

His words:  "It is gratifying that at long last, the five governors of the south-east states have found common cause to meet and deliberate on issues germane to the Igbo nation. We hope the trend continues.  The Igbo nation must continue to speak with one voice, in the context of present day Nigeria."

Mr. Obaze, governance and policy expert and a gubernatorial aspirant in the 2017 Anambra State elections in November, urged Nigerian youths to be "focused and proactive."

Obaze was among several dignitaries that addressed the over 2000 strong Anglican Youth Convention in Umunya, Anambra State.

Referring to what he called the "youth bulge"  Mr Obaze said the fate of the Nigerian youth remains grim, considering that 54 percent of the Nigerian youth, which comprises 70 percent of the national population were unemployed, and generally unskilled and uneducated. 

Obaze said that only 15 percent of youths seeking admission into tertiary institutions were accepted; and that each year an additional 5.9 million youths were added to the national population, which only compounded the prevailing poverty rate.

Turning to possible solutions, Mr Obaze said the answer and solution must be predicated on good governance, the youths being politically and socially engaged, empowerment, vocational training and entrepreneurship.

Mr Obaze who delivered his entire twenty minutes addresses in flawless Igbo, said the youths should seek to embark on startup projects either individually or in clusters and seek to be entrepreneurs rather than employees.  He cited 25-year old Inyonoluwa Aboyeji who started the platform ANDELA and subsequently received a grant of $24 million from Mark Zuckerburg as worthy of emulation. He urged the youths not to focus solely on those you gave them occasional handouts, but on those who could serve as role models, mentors, and referees, and whose recommendations could open new vistas for them.

Turning to issue governance, Mr Obaze underlined the need for equity, which would make it possible for an Igbo person to emerge as a Nigerian president. In that vein, he urged those politicians from Anambra south and central senatorial bent on running for the governorship in 2017, to allow Anambra north to complete its two term tenure since the central and south zones have predominantly ruled Anambra State since its establishment.