ONNA LG Chairman Engages Village Youth Presidents, Outlines Their Roles, Responsibilities
The Executive Chairman of ONNA Local Government Area, Hon. Kufre Umoren, has engaged with village youth presidents from the 42 communities of the local government, outlining their roles and responsibilities while emphasizing the importance of due process in the selection of youth leaders.
Speaking during an interactive session on Thursday, March 13, at the local government secretariat, Hon. Umoren stated that the meeting served as an opportunity to sensitize the village youth presidents on their expected functions and to reassure them of the government’s support in ensuring effective leadership at the community level.
He reiterated that the emergence of village youth presidents must follow a duly conducted election supervised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), ONNA Chapter, stressing that selection or appointment often breeds youth restiveness, whereas elected youth presidents have historically performed better and fostered peaceful coexistence within their communities.
“The National Youth Council of Nigeria is a creation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and is tasked with supervising youth activities across all tiers of government. It is, therefore, imperative that village youth leadership aligns with this structure,” Hon. Umoren stated.
In a bid to support and encourage the village youth presidents, the chairman disclosed plans to provide stipends to the elected leaders to help offset their leadership expenses.
He emphasized that youth presidents play a crucial role in driving the implementation of his administration’s policies, citing initiatives such as the “Operation Keep Our Community Clean” project.
The Chairman also acknowledged the presence of the Supervisor for Youth and Sports, Comrade Ubong Essien, describing him as a “youth general” who will help oversee the engagement and empowerment of young people in ONNA.
He further announced his intention to tour all 42 villages in the local government to deepen his engagement with grassroots youth leadership.
“I must justify the responsibility vested in me as a leader to ensure the emergence of other youths as leaders in ONNA. This is a commitment to equipping youth leaders with the necessary guidance and support to succeed in their roles,” he added.
In their separate remarks, the ONNA Chapter Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Kingsley Johnny; the Director-General of the Great Grace Campaign, Elder Nelson Ntia; and Mr. Godwin Ben all urged the youths to lead by example and inspire others to follow.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Youth and Sports, Hon. Ubong Essien, pledged to collaborate with the village youth presidents and other youth structures in the local government to ensure effective youth participation in governmental affairs and their overall development.
