… Describes the Lectures presented as catalyst to change the future of Ebonyi Youths
…Urges Nigerian Youths to unite under Umahi to salvage Nigeria.
Lady Monica Chindinma Ada Eze, Technical Assistant to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State on Media, has added to the rains of commendations and resounding applauds that has continued to trail the sterling performance of the Chairman, South/East Governors Forum, HE., Engr. Dave Nweze Umahi, especially, his determination to crush poverty in Ebonyi through human capital development.
Reacting to Gov. Umahi’s recent concluded Youths Summit in the State and approval of N3 Billion for yet another empowerment scheme for youths, Lady Monica said only a leader driven by passion for service and love for his people can embark on such program at this time, given the trend of global economic downturn and the meagre funds available, describing the gesture as a judicious deployment of public fund.
In a statement made available to media houses in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, TA Monica who also acts as the President of DUNAETA said Gov. Umahi has continued to attend to basic public needs especially in infrastructure, human capital development, job creation etcetera, achieving no mean results within record time and with little or no publicity, unlike some others who spend less on projects and more on publicity to gain undue attention.
Furthermore, the Technical Assistant to the Governor said in his determination to develop the potential of youths in leadership and stock them with the necessary qualities needed for effective public service, Gov. Dave Umahi has concluded plans towards appointing more youths into public offices as well as placing them for election into political positions.
She admonished prospective beneficiaries under the N3 billion empowerment scheme to utilize the largesse in the most judicious manner so as to equip and establish themselves to be able to give back to society in the shortest possible time.
According to TA Monica Aka Ada Ebonyi some great Opinion Moulders both from the Academia, Religious circle, Politics, Legal, outstanding Footballers who made it in their various fields were carefully selected to lecture the Youths totalling over 1,500 on different strategies, skills and steps to survive the present world situation. Amongst these great Lecturers were, Rev Dr. David Chuks Ogbueli, Gen. Obi Umahi(RTD), Dr. Joe Abah, Dr. Mark Abani, Prof. Eugene Nweke, Prof. Omaka SAN, Prof. Jessey Uneke, Prof. Afam Icha-Ituma, Mr. Zack Orji, Mr Mohammed Abbas, Mr Abdul Mumini Yusuf, Archbishop Ede, Mr. Kanu Nwankwo, Mr Peter Rufai and Pastor Eunice Oyeyemi
A reputable force in the Nollywood Industry, Mr. Zack Orji in his presentation stated, “Ebonyi State is the best setting to produce movies that are international standard because Gov.Umahi has transformed the state to a tourist centre. Desirous youths who would like to build a career in the movie industry are encouraged to grab the golden opportunity!” This legend in the Movie Industry further stated that, “Nigeria will be a different and better place to be if other Governors can emulate the shining example of Governor Umahi as I am impressed with what i have seen within these few days in Ebonyi state. So I want to say that you are a shinning example not only for Ebonyi State but for the rest of this country and wish to urge the youths of Ebonyi State,you have a shinning example. If you are looking for mentorship,it is right here & before you and you don’t have to look elsewhere for it”.
On the other hand, the legendary footballer, onetime African best footballer and Capitan of the Super Eagles the Nigeria National Team, Mr. Kanu Nwankwo in his presentation, described sports as the biggest tool for unity, peace and good health and admonished the youths to find things to do with their hands rather than depending wholly on government in all things, adding that no government can do everything for its citizens. “In everything you do in life, you have to be disciplined no matter how you see yourself, no matter how big or small you are. “Even in business, you have to be disciplined. Without being disciplined, you cannot achieve anything. If you are playing football and you have the talent, without discipline, you cannot succeed. So, focus on what you are doing, and don’t let anybody distract you because if you have a talent and work hard towards it, you will achieve your goals. Today, everybody is saying Papilo! Papilo!! Papilo!!! But let me tell you, Papilo is from a very poor family as we used to eat garri in the morning, garri in the afternoon and garri in the night. We cooked soup without meat or fish. All we were looking was for something that will enter our stomachs. But today all that are in the past as I can afford whatever it is that I want to eat just because i have to discipline myself to achieve whatever it is I am by today. In conclusion, “If you are waiting for government to do those things that you are supposed to do for yourself, my brother, that poverty and hunger will still be there waiting for you.
In his remarks, another former Super Eagles Star and goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who was also one of the Resource persons at the summit, urged the youths to engage in meaningful careers like sports and admonished them to always add functional education to their chosen careers in life as such would add further value to their talents.
The football stars commended Governor Umahi’s developmental strides in the State, adding that the nation needs such a man as him to deliver it from its present quagmire.
TA Monica quoted her boss, Governor Umahi as recalling how he was propelled to work hard by his poor family background. “I was born in a very poor family. My father was a poor farmer and my mother was also a poor farmer. All their children struggled to go to school and they eventually did. We suffered in life. We ate roasted cassava. We struggled all through and we insisted that we must change our situation and we did it. So, every youth that is focused and discipline will overcome challenges in life.”
Commending the Governor for his commitment to service delivery, Lady Monica called on the national media and other independent assessors to come to Ebonyi and do a proper assessment of the laudable achievements of Gov. Umahi, a silent achiever, and inform Nigerians accordingly.
Finally, TA Monica called on youths all over the country to put aside all animosities and prepare their minds towards contributing meaningfully to the development of the country by giving maximum supports to Umahi, a leader with proven integrity, to take the country to higher grounds.
The one week #EndSARS Youth Summit organised by the State Government as part of recovery programmes from the aftermath of the nationwide protest was held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki built by the administration of Governor Umahi one of its kind in Africa,