ENUGU YOUTH CONFERENCE: PRISCA OKEKE CHARGES YOUTHS TO MOVE BEYOND COMPLAINTS, EMBRACE POLICY MAKING

The Special Assistant to the Enugu State Governor on Youth and Students, Hon. Prisca Okeke, has challenged young people in the state to move beyond complaints and take active roles in shaping policies and decisions that affect their future.

Okeke made the call while delivering her welcome address at the 2026 Enugu State Youth Conference, held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.

The conference, themed “Youth in Policy Making: A Shared Responsibility,” brought together government officials, young people, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to discuss the role of youths in governance and the development of Enugu State.

According to Okeke, the future of Enugu State depends largely on the choices young people make today, stressing the need for youths to become active participants rather than passive observers of government and public affairs.

“Enugu youths must recognise that the future of our state depends largely on the choices we make today. We must move beyond complaints and become active participants in shaping policies that affect our lives,” she said.

She encouraged young people to acquire knowledge, build useful skills, support one another and take advantage of opportunities created by government.

Okeke further expressed optimism that with the right support and mindset, Enugu youths could become a generation of confident, innovative and responsible citizens who would contribute meaningfully to the growth of the state.

Mbah Administration Has Repositioned Enugu Youths — Okeke

The Governor’s aide also highlighted the administration of Governor Peter Mbah’s efforts towards youth development, noting that its policies, programmes and projects had helped reposition young people to become more creative and productive in their various endeavours.

Her position was reinforced by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, who urged youths to make themselves available for activities capable of promoting growth and development in the state.

Ekweremadu commended Governor Mbah for prioritising youth development and specifically praised Hon. Prisca Okeke for her commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of Enugu youths.

“As young people, you have the responsibility to make Enugu State better. Be part of the policy-making process, always contribute to public discussions on national and state issues, and use your talents positively,” the commissioner said.

Mbah Calls for Greater Youth Participation

Governor Peter Mbah, represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, reiterated his administration’s commitment to harnessing the potential of Enugu youths and ensuring their participation in policy and decision-making processes.

The governor expressed delight over the contributions of young people serving in his State Executive Council, saying they had made significant contributions towards developing the state’s resources.

He charged young people to engage in meaningful and profitable ventures while contributing positively to the development of Enugu.

Mbah also acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Water Resources, Barr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr.; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu; Commissioner for Power and Solid Minerals, Hon. Franklin Enyinnaya Ogbonna; and the Senior Special Assistant on Revenue Mobilisation, Hon. Mrs. Adenike Okechukwu Adesina.

Youth Business Pitch Winners Receive ₦1.8m

A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of prizes to winners of the 2026 Enugu State Youth Business Pitch.

Ugochi Nwonye of Eco-Cycler, who emerged first, received ₦1 million, while Jessica Dinwoke of Edu-play, the second-prize winner, received ₦500,000.

Emmanuel Ezeh of Cyber Switch, who emerged third, received ₦300,000.

Ten finalists also made oral presentations before a panel of judges, showcasing innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial solutions.

In another youth empowerment initiative, four young people received ovens to support their businesses. Among the beneficiaries were Wealth Emmanuel, Onyekachi Ogbodo, as well as a physically challenged entrepreneur who expressed gratitude to the organisers for the support.

Dignitaries Attend Youth Conference

The conference attracted prominent personalities and stakeholders from across the state.

Among those present were the Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Kingsley Udeh, represented by the Public Relations Officer of PRODA, Dr. Ifeoma Ezeh; Hon. Okey Anthony Mbah; Hon. Princess Obiajulu Ugwu; Mrs. Adenike Okebu; Hon. Ephraim Chukwuma Okenwa; Prof. Mrs. Obiamaka Egbo; and Hon. Chisimdi Okoh, among others.

The conference ended with renewed calls for young people to take ownership of their future, participate actively in public discourse and policy-making, and leverage available opportunities to contribute to the continued development of Enugu State.

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