By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor on Youth Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, has intensified efforts to take the state’s Youth Reformation Agenda to young people across different communities, with a fresh campaign against political violence, criminality and youth restiveness.
Omenugha, who spoke during a series of engagements across the state, said the success of the agenda depended on reaching young people directly, listening to their concerns and creating practical opportunities through which they could become productive and responsible members of society.
The Special Adviser began one of the engagements with an appearance on the “People’s Congress with Mr. E” programme on Authority Radio 91.9FM, Nnewi, where he addressed the role of youths as election campaigns gather momentum.
He urged young people to resist attempts by politicians to recruit them for violence, stressing the need for youths to participate in politics through ideas, peaceful campaigns, responsible citizenship and constructive democratic engagement.
According to him, young people must understand that political contests are temporary, while the consequences of violence can affect individuals, families and communities for many years.
Dr. Omenugha subsequently met with the Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu, to explore areas of collaboration in the Youth Reformation Agenda, particularly in tackling drug abuse, prostitution, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
The discussions also focused on the need to address the environment that enables criminal activities to thrive, rather than limiting the fight against crime to arrests after offences have been committed.
Omenugha stressed the importance of identifying locations and properties allegedly used to facilitate criminal activities and taking appropriate action within the law.
He also called for greater involvement of communities, landlords, young people and other residents in providing credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying criminal activities in their neighbourhoods.
At the Anambra State Signage Agency, ANSAA, Omenugha also met with the Manager, Special Projects, Dr. Obinna Efobi, where they discussed the use of public spaces, signage infrastructure and other communication platforms to spread the values associated with the “New Onye Anambra”.
The initiative, according to him, seeks to promote values reorientation, civic responsibility, discipline, productivity and responsible citizenship among the people, particularly young people.
Omenugha also took the campaign to the riverine communities of Anambra West Local Government Area, where he led members of the Youth Reformation Team to an engagement with Igala-speaking youths at the Igbedor Village Square.
The meeting brought together youths from communities including Nzam, Inoma, Owelle, Ukwalla, Allah and Onugwa, Odekpe, Igbedor, Igbokenyi, Odeh and Odomagwu.
Speaking to the youths, Omenugha emphasised that geographical location, language or dialect should not diminish their identity as Ndi Anambra, insisting that the state’s communities, despite their cultural and geographical differences, share a common identity and future.
The youths also acknowledged some of the interventions of the state government in their communities, particularly the road linking the area to its Local Government Headquarters, while expressing appreciation for the appointment of one of their own, Dr. Ekene Ogugua from Nzam, as Commissioner for Education.
The interaction, however, was not limited to government achievements, as the youths presented some of the challenges confronting them and identified agriculture, skills development and local fabrication of agricultural equipment as areas where they needed greater support.
In response, Omenugha said his office would facilitate the training of five youths from the communities in the local fabrication of farm machines, describing the initiative as part of efforts to connect youth reformation with practical opportunities for productivity.
The engagement also touched on the conflict involving Allah and Onugwa-Odekpe communities, with Omenugha appealing to the elders to embrace dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully.
He equally warned the youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments in community conflicts, political struggles or other interests that could expose them to violence.
The Special Adviser assured the youths that the engagement would not end with the visit, promising continued contact and efforts to connect them with relevant government programmes and opportunities.
The activities formed part of Omenugha’s broader message of building what he described as a “New Onye Anambra” — a generation that understands its heritage, embraces responsibility, develops productive skills and contributes meaningfully to society.
He said the Youth Reformation Agenda was not simply about changing young people but about creating an environment in which responsible living, hard work, service, excellence and productivity could become attractive choices for the younger generation.
The campaign also seeks to reconnect young people with Anambra’s tradition of excellence while encouraging them to take ownership of the future of the state.
During the engagements, Omenugha repeatedly promoted the identity message, “I Am Anambra, I Am the Light of the Nation,” presenting it as a call for young people to see themselves as custodians of the state’s legacy and active participants in its future.
He also acknowledged the support of the Mayor of Anambra West, Mrs Ndive Edith, particularly for providing speedboats and logistics that facilitated the engagement with the Igala youths.
The Special Adviser commended the youths for their reception and participation, saying the interaction had provided an opportunity for the Youth Reformation Team not only to communicate its message but also to listen to the aspirations and challenges of young people in the riverine communities.
More photos from the events:
