A festive air enveloped Nkwoagu, the headquarters of Umunneochi Local Government Area, as youths from across the council converged in large numbers for the inauguration of an Interim Youth Executive, an event that blended civic purpose with cultural spectacle.
Amid music, colourful displays and spirited pageantry, Architect Peter Echem was formally sworn in as President General of the newly constituted Umunneochi Youth Association, with Comrade Azubuike Emmanuel as Secretary. Other members of the executive include Mr Divine Francis as Public Relations Officer, Mr Emeka Ibe as Treasurer, and Mr Peter Okoli as Provost.
Rebuilding Youth Structures for Inclusive Governance
In his address shortly after inaugurating the executive, the Mayor of Umunneochi LGA, Chief Sunny Afurobi, explained that upon assuming office in November 2024, he observed the absence of an active, unified youth body at the local government level.
He described this gap as a significant governance challenge, noting that a coordUMUNNEOCHI YOUTH inated youth structure is essential for effective engagement between government and young people.
According to the mayor, the new association is designed to serve as an umbrella platform that will bring Umunneochi youths together, making it easier for government at all levels to interact with them, understand their needs, and implement targeted interventions, similar to models operational in other parts of the state.
Expressing satisfaction with the enthusiasm demonstrated by the youths in organizing the inauguration ceremony, Afurobi said their collective resolve signals a decisive break from inertia and a commitment to charting a new developmental course. He assured the new leadership of his administration’s full support in translating their vision into measurable outcomes.
He further urged the executive to extend membership across all autonomous communities within Umunneochi, encouraging inclusivity among both male and female youths to ensure full integration into broader development initiatives for Abia’s youth population.
A Call to Responsible and Impactful Leadership
The mayor charged the new leadership to demonstrate integrity, teamwork and accountability in discharging their responsibilities. He emphasized that the welfare of Umunneochi youths must remain paramount, alongside sustained engagement with government institutions to unlock empowerment opportunities.
“Leadership is a trust,” he noted, urging the executive to ensure their tenure leaves a legacy that posterity would remember positively. He reiterated his readiness to provide moral and institutional support whenever necessary.
Spotlight on Youth Empowerment and ICT Advancement
Chief Afurobi also commended the administration of Alex Otti for prioritizing youth development, particularly through digital empowerment initiatives. He revealed that approximately 80 youths from Umunneochi benefitted from the TechRise ICT training programme, acquiring skills across various information and communication technology packages.
Many of the beneficiaries, he said, are now meaningfully engaged, having established small-scale enterprises and become self-reliant. He disclosed that additional rounds of similar training programmes are planned for later in the year.
Security Gains and Infrastructure Renewal
On security, the mayor lauded the state government for addressing longstanding security concerns across Abia State, noting that Umunneochi has been a major beneficiary of the improved security architecture. The prevailing peace, he said, has enabled large public gatherings such as the youth inauguration to hold without disruption.
He also highlighted progress in healthcare delivery, revealing that about 18 Primary Health Centres in the council area have been retrofitted, renovated and equipped with modern facilities, with several already operational.
In the area of road infrastructure, he pointed out that four roads are currently under construction across different parts of Umunneochi. He called on residents to sustain their support for his administration, describing ongoing projects as people-centred and development-driven.
Providing an account of his local administration’s performance, Afurobi cited infrastructural upgrades at the council headquarters, including renovations and aesthetic improvements, as well as the construction of bridges, culverts, erosion control systems and routine road grading across communities. He added that regular roadside clearing for enhanced security has become a consistent policy since his assumption of office.
The mayor disclosed that a new military operational base at Umuaku is nearing completion to consolidate recent security gains. He commended the synergy among security agencies in the area, acknowledging their collaborative efforts in safeguarding lives and property.
Agricultural Expansion and Market Development
In a bid to boost food security and stimulate the local economy, the mayor announced the signing of Memoranda of Understanding for land lease agreements with Ngodo Isuochi and Ubahu Nneato communities. Approximately 25 hectares have been secured for cassava cultivation, with a cassava processing plant to be sited in Ngodo. Plans are also underway for the establishment of a pig farm and pig mill plant within Umunneochi.
On market development, Afurobi confirmed that four modern evening markets, equipped with boreholes, solar lighting and public conveniences, are under construction across the four zones of the council. He further unveiled the “Water Must Flow” initiative, which aims to drill boreholes in wards confirmed to have viable water sources following geophysical surveys.
He assured residents that additional life-impacting projects are in the pipeline.
Private Sector Support for Creative Skills
In his goodwill message, the Chief Photographer to the Governor, Mr Franklin Ugochukwu, commended the mayor for inspiring the youth to embrace a fresh start. He encouraged the young people to cultivate discipline and self-development across diverse fields.
As a practical demonstration of support, Ugochukwu announced plans to train five youths from each ward in specialized areas including photography, cinematography, drone piloting, and photo and video editing. He added that the best-performing participants in each category would receive brand-new professional equipment to launch their careers.
Security Agencies Urge Vigilance and Responsibility
Also speaking at the event, the Military Commander in charge of the Lomara Military Operational Base, Major Alfred, and the Divisional Police Officer of Isuochi Division, CSP Justine Uche, congratulated the new executive. They urged the leadership to remain committed and advised all youths to steer clear of activities capable of undermining their future.
Both officers assured the association of prompt security support whenever credible information is provided and intervention becomes necessary.
A Commitment to Godly and Competent Service
In his vote of thanks, President General, Architect Peter Echem Obiora expressed appreciation to Umunneochi youths for the confidence reposed in the new leadership. He pledged to discharge their duties with integrity, diligence and the fear of God.
He also thanked Mr Ugochukwu for his pledge to train and equip young people in creative industries, expressing optimism that the Umunneochi Youth Association would attain enviable heights through collective effort and sustained support.
The ceremony drew prominent stakeholders, including the member representing Umunneochi in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Mathias Ume (Nwachi), Surveyor Ike Orika of GODA; the Umunneochi Orientation Officer, Dr. O. Nzeako; a member of the Abia State Transport Board, Mrs Salome Onwu; and the immediate past Chairman of the Umunneochi Youth Council, Ogbuehi Chibuisim Alago, among others.
Goodwill messages were delivered by youth leaders from Isuochi, Nneato and Umuchieze, while masquerade performances, acrobatic displays and musical renditions by indigenous artists from Isuochi added colour and cultural depth to a ceremony that signalled not just a new executive, but a renewed chapter in youth engagement and grassroots development in Umunneochi.
