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From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has assured youths in the state of his administration’s determination to empower them as he budgets N2.5 billion for them.
Governor Soludo gave the promise in Awka when he was hosted as a special guest of honour at the event hosted by Youths Earnestly Seek Solution (YESS).
The event was also used to unveil a policy document and youth empowerment programme of the group, to celebrate its third-year anniversary.
Soludo recalled the hurdle members of the group passed through to support his governorship ambition, saying that they were the first group to emerge. He commended them for championing the disruptive movement, by showing good examples of how youths in the country ought to participate in politics.
The governor revealed that he was involved in politics as an undergraduate and founded the Ekwueme Movement, adding that idealism and passion were his major driving force.
He noted that the same way they believed in him, even before the campaigns ensued, was the same way he believed in Dr Alex Ekwueme.
The governor, however, expressed regrets to see that over the years, politics had been turned into a business venture, adding that the society had also failed the youth.
He described as unfortunate, a situation where a country’s past is more glorious than its present. He assured that a new society was possible, noting that there would be an opportunity in every challenge.
He said: “The concept of volunteerism means offering to serve and to do things that are positive. We are looking for value. What value are you going to render? This question goes to those seeking for public office. Every appointment we are giving, we must ensure there is an existing vacancy for it. We are replacing the era of entitlement culture with productivity and empowerment where the youth take the future into their hands, and become agents of wealth creation.”
He reiterated that with the YESS movement, everyone had something to offer in government and the private sector.
In line with his campaign promise, he expressed desire to see Anambra youths become employers of labour. He said that by becoming employers of labour, they would no longer be part of the problems but part of the solution.
