By UCHE CHUKWU
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Enugu State, Hon. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jnr.,has extolled the youths in the State for reposing much confidence on Hon. Dr. Barnabas Alih as their new State youth leader. Hon. Dr. Alih, a youth development advocate and political analyst, was recently elected as the President-general of Enugu State Community Youth Leaders Forum. Also, elected inside him included the Deputy Vice President, Hon. Sebastian Adenyi and Secretary-general, Hon. Okoye Chinedu both from Enugu East and Enugu West senatorial districts respectively In his congratulatory message, Hon. Ike Ekweremadu Jnr.,said emergence of Hon. Alih as the President-general of Enugu State Community Youth Leaders Forum "is a call to service and an opportunity to work together in promoting unity, youth inclusion, and meaningful participation in governance across Enugu State.. Ekweremadu, Jnr who equally congratulated the other newly- elected executives said their emergence would provide the direction needed to inspire community youth leaders and encourage youths to understand their responsibilities towards governance and development."
Ekweremadu said "Considering Hon. Dr. Alih Barnabas' dedication, wisdom, and leadership capacity, I am confident that, together with the new executive."
The Commissioner prayed God to provide the new leadership grants the President and the entire executive team divine protection, wisdom, and strength to lead with fairness, equity, unity, and a genuine commitment to the collective interest of the youths..
He said: "Working with this new leadership gives the youths hope that “ 'Tomorrow Is Here,” ' as consistently advocated and demonstrated by His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, through his vision for a better Enugu State." In his congratulatory message, the Federal Character Commissioner representing Enugu State, Hon. Peter Eze hailed Dr. Alih's emergence as a "testament to your leadership, commitment and service to Enugu youth. Eze expressed confidence that the President general.would successfully lead with unity, wisdom and dedication. Also congratulating the new President- general, the traditional ruler of Umuogbu Agu,
HRH Igwe Dr Obiora Simon Ngwu (Ezeudo/Ohabueze II) described Alih as a worthy Ambassador and a son in whom he is well pleased, assuring that the Umuogbu Aguleri Kingdom are behind him in his quest to lead the youths with wisdom and integrity as well as have impactful tenure. Igwe Ngwu said: "Your victory is well-deserved and a call to greater service.". In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Igboeze North Central Development Centre Hon. Ifeanyi Odo said : "Your election is a testament to your leadership qualities, dedication, commitment to youth development and unwavering contributions to the progress of Enugu State. We hope your your emergence will usher in a new era of unity, inclusiveness, purposeful leadership and greater opportunities for youths in Enugu State," he contended. In a post-electikn speech, Hon. Dr. Alih described his tenure as a turning point when Community Youth Leaders would be seen as Agents of Development!
Alih observed that Community youth leaders are committed to promoting development and bridging the gap between the government and youths in our various communities. He said: "We understand the needs, challenges, talents, and potential of the youths at the grassroots. Therefore, we serve as a vital link between our communities and the government, ensuring that youths are informed, involved, and given opportunities to contribute positively to development."
The new youth leader noted that the mission of the body "is to work with the government, attract opportunities and development to our communities, and encourage our youths to become productive, responsible, and active participants in governance."
According to him, young people must return to good governance, meaningful development and a brighter future for Enugu State. "The Forum connects youths with government , promote inclusion, opportunities,, communication and community development, Hon. Dr. Alih added"