EMETU COMMENDS CAN YOUTH WING, SEEKS SUSTAINED COLLABORATION

The Deputy Governor of Abia State has commended the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Abia State Chapter for their clear vision, commitment to peaceful conduct, and proactive involvement in the process of state building.

Emetu gave the commendation during a courtesy visit made by the leadership of the Christian Youth Organization to his office at Government House, Umuahia on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

The Deputy Governor highlighted the current administration’s focus on youth empowerment, pointing to initiatives like the training of over 1,000 youths at CSS Farm in Nasarawa and giving start-ups to the beneficiaries, the ongoing Abia State Leadership Academy Boot Camp which aims to train 1,000 Abia Youths aged between 16-20 years, with the pioneer batch of 250 young individuals undergoing leadership skills training, which serves as a clear demonstration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti-led government’s dedication to preparing and empowering the next generation of leaders.

He called on them to remain steadfast in their support to the current administration while assuring governments continued provision of people oriented projects with the limited available resources.

“I urge you to continue to collaborate with the government under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti, OFR. This administration is committed to reforms implementation and creation of more opportunities for the youth in Abia State. We don’t blow our trumpets, but we try as much as possible to do the best we can with the limited resources available to us. Under a space of two years, we paid off over 60% of inherited debts from the previous administration without borrowing.

“The Governor’s vision is to transform the state into a benchmark for inclusive governance, ensuring that youths, women, and all stakeholders are actively involved in the development process”, Emetu stated.

Earlier in his address, the Immediate Past Chairman of the Abia State chapter of YOWICAN, Apostle Ogbuka Uche Ph.D., congratulated Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu for the two years of transformation in all sectors of the state.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that your administration has proved beyond any reasonable doubt that there is a fresh air in Abia State. From the feeders we have received from the grassroots in our various churches, platforms and communities, from Teachers, Pensioners, Civil Servants, it seems that the administration of Governor Alex Otti has changed the several and wasted years of maladministration that has characterized the previous experiences that we have witnessed in the State”, Dr. Uche said.

He described the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria as “the foremost ecumenical youth organization in Nigeria that interface between the government, the church and the communities on matters of faith and how best to employ religion to the betterment of the society “.

He called for a partnership with the government to enhance its civic education and voter sensitization campaigns throughout Abia communities as well as the provision of a bus
to aid in grassroots mobilization efforts, particularly in preparation for upcoming continuous voter registration exercises. He emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for combating voter apathy and maintaining the progress in good governance that has been observed under Governor Otti’s administration.

The visit saw the presentation of the newly elected Executive Members of the organization to the Deputy Governor.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
August 19, 2025.