Emetu Urges MOUAU Student Leaders to Embrace Selfless Service.

Emetu Urges MOUAU Student Leaders to Embrace Selfless Service.

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has called on student leaders to regard leadership as a responsibility to serve rather than a position for personal privilege.

Emetu made the remark when he received the newly elected 31st Executive Council of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), led by its President, Comrade Nwogu Bright, during a courtesy visit to his office at Government House, Umuahia.

Congratulating the student leaders on their election, the Deputy Governor advised them to remain focused and resilient in the face of the challenges associated with leadership.
According to him, leadership demands sacrifice, dedication and the readiness to confront difficulties.

“Leadership, wherever you find yourself, is a call to service. You should not expect everything to be smooth because challenges are part of the responsibility. It is only a dead person that has no problems,” he said.

He cautioned the executives against treating their positions as ceremonial titles, stressing that they had been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the welfare and interests of the students who elected them.

“Do not see this office as a chieftaincy title. It is a call to service. You must be ready to work and always speak truth to power while representing the interests of the students,” Emetu added.

The Deputy Governor commended the union leadership for initiating programmes aimed at improving student welfare, particularly the planned skill acquisition initiative to mark the union’s 31st anniversary.

He noted that such programmes would help address social vices within the university community by equipping students with practical and productive skills.

Emetu also reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Otti to creating opportunities for young people to succeed in the state.

“In the new Abia, government has a human face. We are committed to building an environment where everyone, especially young people, can thrive. The youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders of today,” he stated.

He further expressed his readiness to attend the union’s anniversary and homecoming activities scheduled for March 13 to 18, and pledged financial support towards the event.

Earlier in his remarks, the SUG President, Comrade Bright, said the visit was aimed at briefing the Deputy Governor on the union’s upcoming programmes and inviting him to serve as the keynote speaker at the 31st anniversary celebration.

Bright explained that the anniversary would feature a mega skill acquisition and empowerment programme designed to equip students with digital and vocational skills including digital marketing, web development, artificial intelligence, videography, graphic design and pastry production.

He said the initiative is expected to train between 500 and 1,000 students, with participants also receiving small grants to help them start small businesses while still in school.

The SUG President added that the celebration would also include a homecoming event where alumni of the university would interact with students and share insights on career development and leadership.

In her vote of thanks, the Vice President of the union, Hon. Onuekwusi Precious, thanked the Deputy Governor for receiving the delegation and assured him of the continued support of the student body for the government.

She also commended the state administration for policies and programmes that have positively impacted students and young people in Abia State.