Igbo Youth Leaders Unite in Anambra, Forge Bold Path on Security, Southeast Progress
Security, youth inclusion, and both regional and national development were central themes during a recent convention of Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders held in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.
The convention brought together youth leaders and stakeholders from the seven Igbo-speaking states. At the end , participants issued a strong condemnation of the deteriorating security situation across various parts of Igboland.
They attributed the crisis largely to long-standing socio-political grievances, systemic marginalization, and government policies that have intensified feelings of disenfranchisement among Igbo youth.
Their position was outlined in a communique issued after the convention. The document was jointly signed by Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Leader of the Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly; Mazi Bismark Oji, Convention Chairman; and Uzoh Ifeanyi, Chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee.
In the communique, the group urged all community youth leaders across Igboland to rise to the occasion by enhancing vigilance and collaborating closely with local vigilante groups and security agencies to counter security threats whether in towns, farmlands, or forests.
They further called on the governors of the Southeast to rise above political distractions and place security at the top of their agendas, warning that failure to do so could lead to collective political rejection at the 2027 polls.
The group demanded that Nigeria’s Security Chiefs issue immediate directives to field operatives to end the harassment and intimidation of innocent Igbo youths.
They advocated instead for a collaborative framework that promotes intelligence-sharing and coordinated response strategies to combat genuine threats posed by those seeking to destabilize the region.
The convention also acknowledged significant improvements in Anambra State’s security landscape, particularly commending Governor Charles Soludo’s efforts in dismantling the influence of the “Okite” cult, which had misled many Igbo youths.
One of the key resolutions of the convention was the adoption of a proposal for an Integrated Youth Development Initiative. This initiative includes a five-year strategic action plan aimed at addressing the aspirations of young people, especially in areas affecting livelihood and productivity.
The communique also expressed deep concern over the absence of a coherent leadership succession plan in Igboland. Delegates urged political elites and leaders to deliberately create mechanisms for leadership recruitment, mentorship, and succession planning—processes that must be inclusive and free from social or economic discrimination.
“We commend the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for organizing the upcoming National Youth Confab,” “This platform holds promise for crafting inclusive youth policies in Nigeria. The Convention has agreed on a unified position and will present a comprehensive policy document reflecting our aspirations, concerns, and proposed solutions as a vital demographic bloc within the Nigerian youth population.” it stated.
The group called on the Honorable Minister of Youth Development to ensure that the participation modalities for the confab are equitable, transparent, and inclusive of all ethnic nationalities.
The Convention also formally adopted the name Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly as the official title of their platform, affirming Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu as its leader.
Furthermore, they expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for constituting the boards of the various regional development commissions. However, they appealed for greater inclusion of Igbo youths in these and other federal appointments.
“We respectfully urge the expansion of regional development commission boards to ensure adequate representation of Igbo youth, whose talents, innovative ideas, and entrepreneurial energy are vital for regional and national progress.”
“As committed Igbo youths, we remain dedicated to building a peaceful, united, and progressive Nigeria founded on equity, justice, and mutual respect. We stand firmly for justice, inclusion, and national transformation.” it added.
