Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has praised the youth empowerment programmes of the Methodist Church Nigeria, describing the initiative as one that complements his administration’s commitment to equipping young people with productive skills and opportunities.
The governor made the remark on Saturday, while receiving a delegation of the National Youth Fellowship of the Methodist Church Nigeria at the Government House, Umuahia.
The delegation was led by its National President, Ambassador Engr. Michael Eze, alongside the National Coordinator, Very Rev. Favour Obiaru-Ekwuru.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Religious Matters, Apostle Kenneth Wiper, Governor Otti commended the church for its commitment to nurturing and empowering young people, describing youths as the driving force of society whose energy and potential must be properly harnessed.
The governor noted that his administration has continued to invest heavily in youth development through empowerment programmes, agricultural training, digital skills acquisition, employment opportunities, and other initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.
He explained that the government had provided loans to young people, sponsored hundreds to Nasarawa State for agricultural training, trained thousands through the TechRise ICT programme, and recruited many as teachers and healthcare workers.
Governor Otti said the administration’s youth-focused programmes were designed to keep young people meaningfully engaged and reduce their vulnerability to crime and other social vices.
He added that his government was also implementing sensitisation programmes targeted at street youths to discourage their involvement in criminal activities.
The governor recalled that his administration launched Operation Crush at the beginning of its tenure to combat insecurity and create a peaceful environment attractive to investors.
“When we came in initially, we had about 300 people that were sent to Nassarawa. They stayed there one week, they came back and they were sponsored to start their agricultural businesses.
“And they are very grateful. And that is one of the ways that criminal acts are being tackled. It’s not only by enforcement.
“And recently, we are doing what we call a sensitisation among the street boys. You know, people are using street boys in some places to carry out electoral crime.
“But we are looking for a way, we are going to sensitise and recreate and get the street boys well organised and let them find something doing.
“Because if they have something doing, I don’t think some of them would make the choices they are making now,” Otti stated.
Earlier, the National President of the Methodist Church Nigeria National Youth Fellowship, Ambassador Engr. Michael Eze, said the delegation was in Abia for the fellowship’s three-day apex leadership conference in Umuahia and considered it necessary to pay a courtesy visit to the governor.
Eze, an indigene of Abia State, applauded Governor Otti for what he described as the remarkable transformation taking place across the state.
He disclosed that the church’s youth body had introduced several youth-friendly programmes focused on equipping young people with digital, agricultural, and vocational skills.
“One thing I would say is that His Excellency has made me to be a proud son.
“Before now I would say I’m from the South East. Or maybe lay claim to any of the other states in the Southeast. But now, I would not just say, I’m from Abia, but I will tell you that I’m from the first state in Nigeria.
“We’ve seen all the marvellous works the government has done in the area of the youth. And I’ve been following up successfully with the TechRise.
“So we’ve been following successfully many of the youth-orientated programmes of His Excellency. And we cannot sit on the fence and watch,” he stated.
Also speaking, the National Treasurer of the fellowship, Ambassador Emem Eneobong, and Ambassador Olusegun Adenero commended Governor Otti for the infrastructure projects executed across the state.
They observed that the roads leading to Umuahia were in excellent condition and described the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal as an impressive landmark.
(The Whistler)
