‘Blame Nigerian leaders over youths’ predicament’

Abia Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has blamed Nigerian leaders for not being able to provide the youths with the ambience needed to reach their heights.

Gov. Ikpeazu made his feelings known while speaking at the 2018 International Youth Day held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium with the theme “Safe Spaces for Youths”, stating that the event calls for sober reflection on what the youth stands for.

The Governor however said that whatever obstacles on the way of youths can become a stepping stone for greater heights and charged Abia youths to ensure they learn at least one skill in addition to formal education, pointing out that there is no better place to learn trade and skills than Abia State.

Ikpeazu who disclosed that the State has established skill acquisition centres scattered in the three senatorial zones of the State where youths are trained on various skills, including modern tailoring, shoemaking, carpentering and others, stated further that some part of the UBEC fund was set aside to buy chairs manufactured in Abia for the schools in the State

In a remark, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Chief Ike Anyatonwu described the day as a milestone in youth empowerment in the State and commended the Governor for approving the hosting of the programme.

He said, the Ministry in order to promote empowerment in the grassroots, inaugurated Community Youth Leaders who would assist in galvanizing the youths in the State.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Environment, Dr Aham Uko urged Abia youths to show commitment to true leadership and to as well sharpen their skill to be able to take effective hold of leadership.

While commending the leadership qualities of the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu said the youths owe the governor the duty of getting their PVCs so that their voices will be heard and for them to participate actively in the affairs of the country.