The youth of Imo State extraction under the aegis of Imo Youths Assembly (IYA), Abuja, has called on Imo Governor-elect; Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, to put the youth at the centre of the decision-making of his incoming administration. The call was contained in a statement signed by the group’s coordinator; Comrade Lucky Opara, wherein it described Ihedioha as “a true leader who has exceptional socio-economical cum infrastructural developmental qualities”.

IYA, according to the statement, believes that the youth everywhere have a huge role to play in social, economic and political development of states and the nation as a whole.

“The young people, particularly in our Imo, have been isolated from the mainstream political and economic relevance for long, giving them no chance to take charge of their lives, hence limited access to economic opportunities. This we believe is one of the major elements with huge influence on all the challenges considered as threat to developments in the state. Considerably, poverty, unemployment, school dropout, crime, terrorism and militancy can’t be addressed without the commitment and proper intervention of the youths,” the statement said.

IYA regretted that “Nigerians at all levels are overwhelmed with conspiracy theories and ethnic preconceptions, which divert all attention from the mega cause and source of the problems.”

“Youths are the largest age group in Nigeria, yet they are deprived of voice and influence in matters to do with the State and the economy. It is imperative that the youths should be allowed into governance, because they can make better policies simply because they are ‘Nigerians’ and they know better what is best for them,” the statement noted.

Continuing, it observed that there are more young people on the streets than in the high schools and colleges. “Therefore, if Imo State is ever interested in solutions and moving forward, the youths have to be empowered with information, included and allowed to participate in all political and economic activities. They must have the capacity to organize themselves to solve problems of common interest. Young Imolites must have the capacity to hold the government accountable for their policies, actions and use of public funds,” IYA said.

It urged the incoming Ihedioha-led government to make the youth a priority while making appointments.

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