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The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) on Saturday, called for a paradigm shift in leadership values and youth participation in governance during its 2025 Abia State Convention and Election, held at the Kolping Society Conference Center, World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia.
With the theme “Mobilizing Igbo Youths in Abia for Social Re-engineering as a Means to Restore Peace,” the event marked a pivotal moment for youth activism in the region. Comrade Eugene Okonta emerged as the new Chairman of the OYC Abia State chapter, securing 100 votes to defeat his opponent, Comrade Osuagwu Kelechi, who got 7 votes.
In a keynote address, the National President of OYC, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, expressed worry over the degradation of traditional Igbo values and urged the youth to champion a moral and political renaissance.
He said, “The Igbo value system has been diluted,” he said, noting the increasing neglect by parents and communities to question the integrity of their children and aspiring traditional rulers.
Igboayaka stressed the need for the youth to resist money-driven politics, urging them to consider integrity, character, and community service in choosing leaders. “Politics is about numbers and people. Real power lies in collective action against injustice,” he stated.
He also admonished the newly elected state executive to hold an Abia Youth Summit within three months to begin charting the state’s political future toward 2027 and 2031.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Eugene Okonta JP, promised to unify Igbo youths under the OYC structure by activating state, local government, ward, and community chapters.
In his words, “My leadership will work hand-in-hand with stakeholders, including government agencies, religious bodies, NGOs, and schools to combat youth crime and drive development,” Okonta affirmed.
While soliciting support from all, he particularly called on lawmakers to support youth development through legislations, job creation, and empowerment programmes, which according to him aligns with the convention’s theme of peace through social re-engineering.
He also tasked young people to abstain from crime, substance abuse, and fraudulent activities, saying that economic hardship is no excuse for criminal behaviour.
Southeastposts reports that the event signifies a growing demand for reform among Nigerian youth, particularly in the South-East while it also highlights the rising consciousness of the younger generation to participate actively in reshaping their socio-political environment, starting from grassroots levels.
The OYC Abia election was conducted peacefully, with high youth turnout. The position of Organizing Secretary remains pending after an unresolved contest between Comrade Ukoha Otu Experience and John Ukeje.
Similarly, Okonta and the new executive are expected to immediately begin mobilization efforts, focusing on youth sensitization, civic education, and leadership training across Abia State.
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