

The recently concluded South-East Youth Leadership Development & Values Reorientation Programme, spearheaded by Senator Uche Ekwunife, Director General of the South-East Governors Forum, has received widespread acclaim from youth leaders across the South-East region. Held at the Amadeo Event Center in Enugu State, the summit aimed to build capacity and foster values reorientation among young people from Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
Youth leaders from various organizations, including Voluntary Youth Organizations (VYOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and apex youth bodies like the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Wing, expressed their appreciation for the initiative. They lauded Senator Ekwunife for her efforts in bringing together young leaders from the region for such a strategic and impactful event.
Student leaders who attended the summit described it as a historic first for the South-East Governors Forum, highlighting the significance of uniting youths from different states to engage in meaningful dialogue and training. The Governor of Enugu State, Barr Peter Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Barr Ifeanyi Ossai, inaugurated the summit with a keynote address emphasizing the importance of youth independence and the need for values reorientation.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the keynote speaker, voiced his concerns over the region’s security challenges, condemning the violence that has disrupted the South-East. He referenced a recent discussion with IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who disapproved of the criminal activities tarnishing the legitimate aspirations of the region.
Other prominent speakers, including Prof Udenta O. Udenta, Dr Sam Amadi, Amb Elijah Onyeagba, Prof Vincent Pius Okoye, Ezinne Nwazulu, and Dr Ike Neliaku, underscored the urgent need for a mindset shift among Nigerian youths. They urged the government to address the genuine demands of the youth periodically.
In her welcome address, Senator Ekwunife acknowledged the challenges and opportunities of youth development in the South-East. She urged participants to emulate successful individuals from the Igbo community and remain resilient in the face of economic difficulties. She highlighted the critical role of the youth population in combating societal issues and promoting regional stability.
Senator Ekwunife expressed profound gratitude to the South-East Governors, particularly Senator Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, for their unwavering support and commitment to youth empowerment. She attributed the success of the summit to the collective efforts and dedication of the governors from Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.
Addressing the concerns of the participants, Senator Ekwunife called for patience and continued support. She assured them of her commitment to presenting their interests to the forum for consideration and approval.
In their concluding remarks, the youth leaders proposed making July 5th an annual convention day for South-East youths, sponsored by the South-East Governors. They commended Senator Ekwunife for her exceptional leadership and innovative approach to regional youth development, expressing optimism for future, more expansive leadership development sessions.
