ADC: Eze Pledges Youth Unity, Skills Training, Enterprise Support in Igboeze North

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, High Chief Benjamin Chimaobi Eze, has pledged to unite youth organisations in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State and introduce practical empowerment programmes to promote self-reliance and economic growth.

He made the pledge during a meeting with some youth groups in Igboeze North LGA, noting that he will do same in all parts of the federal Constituency when elected.

Eze said youth development should be driven by collaboration rather than rivalry, stressing that no single organisation should claim exclusive representation of the area's young people.

He cited organisations such as the Igbo-Eze North People's Forum, Ezikeoba Progressive Forum and Concerned Igbo-Eze North Youths, among others, as platforms whose contributions could complement one another in advancing community development.

The ADC candidate said his youth empowerment vision would focus on practical opportunities, including vocational training in tailoring, welding, electrical installation, solar energy and phone repairs; agricultural support through improved seedlings, poultry farming and fish production; and entrepreneurship grants or start-up equipment for qualified beneficiaries.

He also proposed digital skills training in areas such as graphic design, digital marketing and computer operations, alongside mentorship, apprenticeship placements and support for young entrepreneurs to access markets and business opportunities.

Eze said the programmes, if elected, would be implemented through transparent beneficiary selection, collaboration with credible youth organisations and partnerships with vocational institutions, businesses and development agencies.

He added that youth organisations could help identify local needs, nominate participants and monitor projects, while an inclusive engagement platform would ensure that no group was sidelined because of political differences or organisational affiliation.

Eze maintained that empowerment must go beyond political promises and occasional distribution of materials to initiatives that equip young people with employable skills, productive assets and sustainable sources of income.

He urged youth leaders to embrace peaceful coexistence, accountability and cooperation, saying a united and economically empowered youth population would be better positioned to attract investment and contribute to the development of Igbo-Eze North.

He said his ultimate goal was to build a constituency where young people could turn their talents and ideas into viable livelihoods, regardless of their community, political affiliation or youth organisation.