Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has advised the youth in the state to embrace entrepreneurial and innovative spirit to move the state and country forward, insisting that they ought to see themselves as leaders, who have significant roles to play in the development of the state.
Governor Mbah gave the advice at weekend during the 2024 Enugu Leadership and Business Summit, organised by Enugu Innovative Youths (EIY). The summit themed, “The Role Of Youths in Building A New Enugu”, was held at University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
Addressing participants at the summit, the governor emphasized the importance of youths embracing new knowledge in all its forms and seeking mentorship from those who had walked the path before them. He urged them not to underestimate the power of collaboration and creativity in achieving their dreams.
Governor Mbah extolled the energy the youths brought to the submit, saying that the gathering showed the incredible power that lay within the youths to reshape the state. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah added that the theme resonated deeply with their collective aspirations, disclosing that the administration was deliberate in setting aside leadership positions for youths in the government.
He said: “because of the pivotal role youths play in reshaping the destiny of Enugu State, whether through entrepreneurship or advocacy, and public service, the administration had continued in its commitment to equipping them with modern digital trainings and skills that would enhance their capacity.”
He enjoined them to embrace leadership which, was not title or position, but something that “begins with self-awareness and a commitment to integrity, empathy, and ethical conduct.”
He added that leadership was defined by the courage to take initiative, the resilience to navigate challenges, and the compassion to impact meaningfully in the lives of others. “True leaders inspire trust, empower others and champion inclusivity. Remember to uplift those around you when ascending the ladder of success.
“This is because true greatness is not measured by personal accolades you receive, but by the positive impact you have on others.
“Your contribution matters, and you have power to make a difference. The time to lead is now and the world is waiting for you,” Mbah concluded.
Member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chimaobi Atu, in a lecture titled “A Limitless Potentials of Enugu Youth”, urged the youth to embrace innovation and acquire digital skills and networking.
Also speaking, the member representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency, Pharm. Nnolim Nnaji, while delivering lecture on “Youths And Drug Abuse”, warned that drug abuse posed socio-economic effect and endangered the future of youths.
He advised them to shun any form of drug abuse in order to build the desired society that they would happily bequeath to the next generation. Earlier, the Director of EIY, Rev. Chimaobi Aninwene, said the summit was aimed at mobilizing them on the need to be part of the happenings in Enugu and the country.
He said, “Before this time, many youths thought that to be a youth is just about a particular age. Youth need to understand who they are to value themselves. “We want to be part of innovation and creativity going on in the state as well as partnering with Mbah because of his developmental strides within one year in office,” he said.
He commended the Mbah administration for the growth and development the state had witnessed within a short period of time, expressing optimism that Enugu would achieve the goals it had set out for. The highlights of the event include the presentation of N100,000 each to three youths for their education and presenting the governor with the Best Innovation Award of the year.
