ABIA DEPUTY GOVERNOR REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

ABIA DEPUTY GOVERNOR REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

Umuahia – August 20, 2025

Abia State Deputy Governor, Engineer Ikechukwu Emetu, has restated the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, transparency, and responsible governance during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executives of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Abia State.

Emetu congratulated the new leadership and highlighted several initiatives aimed at youth development, including financial support for over 10,000 SMEs, training of over 1,000 youths at CSS Farms, and the ongoing Leadership Bootcamp targeting 1,000 young leaders.

He urged the youth council to liaise with the Special Adviser on Religious Matters for program planning, emphasizing that government funding is strictly based on budgeted provisions.

On voter registration, the Deputy Governor called on youths and churches to mobilize eligible voters, saying, “INEC will not count our prayer points; they will count our votes.”

He also disclosed that the administration has cleared over 60% of the N193 billion debt it inherited—without borrowing—through prudent financial management.

Emetu assured the youths of continued partnership and called for intentional efforts to secure a better future for Abia State.

The Immediate Past Chairman of YOWICAN Abia State, Apostle Ogbuka Uche, Ph.D., congratulated Governor Alex Otti and Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu on two years of impactful governance, noting positive feedback from churches, communities, and civil servants across the state.

He emphasized YOWICAN’s role in promoting faith-driven civic engagement and called for collaboration on voter education and grassroots mobilization, including support with logistics.

Newly elected Chairman, Rev. Ihebirika Nwandu, praised the administration for restoring hope in Abia and pledged YOWICAN’s continued support. The visit ended with the formal introduction of the new executive team to the Deputy Governor.