The conference started at 11:10 am. It was graced by many dignitaries, students and so on. The Auxillary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Obodo Ernest, said the opening prayer. Sr Annette Sullivan (SND), Manager of Ofu Obi Africa Center, welcomed the guests to Ofu Obi Africa Center and explained a little about the place. Rev. Fr Onuigbo Donatus, Executive Director of JDPC Enugu, gave a brief welcome speech and also appealed to everyone present to listen attentively to the speakers.
The conference theme was “Preparing the youths for leadership positions in Nigeria.” The Auxillary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Obodo Ernest, presented the keynote address. His main statement was: TRY TO CHANGE THE WORLD AROUND YOU, NOT TO CHANGE THE WHOLE WORLD. He also made the clarion for youths to think of better governance and to vote and be voted for, and he also said that politics comprises everything about the man.
The first speaker, Mr Nebo Obinna Collins, Executive Director of New Century Initiative (NCI), gave a lecture on “Youth Inclusion in Nigerian Politics”. He focused mainly on youth participation in politics in Enugu State, where statistics showed a plunge from 2019 to 2023. He said that youths occupy 60% of the total Nigerian population, meaning they are the majority. If democracy is for the majority, that means that the youths have more stand in politics in Nigeria, but this is if the percentage of youths in politics is higher. Statistics also showed that female participation in politics is nothing to write home about.
The second speaker was DCC. Usifo J.E., Deputy Controller of Corrections in Enugu Custodial Center, Enugu State. He gave a lecture on “The Contributions of the Nigerian Correctional Facilities to the Growth of the Nigerian Youth”. He emphasized the importance of youths to mind what they do or say as any little thing can land them in prison. He also said that once anyone serves a jail term, such a person is not entitled to any government position in Nigeria. He said that two major problems faced by those inmates when released are: Recidivism and Rejection. He said that the name prison was changed to Correctional Center.
The third speaker, Mr Aneke Anthony, a member of CYMO, gave a lecture on “The Changing Faces of Nigerian Politics; A Youth Perspective”. He gave his talk under two subheadings: (i) Nigeria as a Nation and (ii) Formation of a Youth. Generally, his lecture centred around the identity crisis of the youths of this age.
Four speakers from different political parties gave various lectures on the topic “Not too young to run” in the order: Hon. Edeoga Chijioke from the Labour party said that many sectors need leadership, not just politics and that the youths should carve out their niche, maybe in arts and so on. Hon. Nnamani Nonso from APGA said that money, sentiments, and religion should be removed for a new Nigeria to evolve so that people with great insight, no matter their social class, will be supported. He also gave three steps for full participation in politics: (i) Activism (ii) Encouragement, and (iii) Participation.
Princess Ogbu Ada from APC said Nigeria is how it is now because Nigerians are not angry enough. She also told the youths that if they want to participate in politics, they should be great activists as they did in their own time because responsible leadership comes with responsible fellowship. Hon Obieze Chima from PDP said that the motivation to be fully in politics could only come from within you. He said that the problem is not the law but how many youths have the courage to date or are disposed to run for political positions as a 25-year-old can run for the position of Local Government Chairman. He gave a practical lesson on how youths can go about their political careers, starting by registering for a political party after checking out whether that party suits their goals, getting the support of the stakeholders of that party and so on. He also said funds should not be why youths do not go fully into politics, as they can get people to invest in their visions.
Hon. Obieze Chima handled the questions and answers session. There were four questions in total.
The vote of thanks was done by Rev. Fr Ofodile Ambrose, who expressed his immense gratitude to everyone that made the conference a success. The closing prayer was said by Rev. Fr Ochiagha Benjamin, Vicar for Youths in the Catholic Diocese of Enugu.
