Mbah Urges Youths to Shun Fear, Embrace Integrity, Participate in Governance
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has charged Nigerian youths to reject fear, uphold integrity and take active part in the political and governance processes of the country, saying the future of Nigeria largely depends on the choices, values and character of its young population.
Mbah, who spoke through his Deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, gave the charge at the 68th Annual National Bible Study Conference of the Anglican Youth Fellowship, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Nsukka, Enugu State.
Ossai said Nigerian youths must refuse to surrender to fear or compromise their values in the face of the challenges confronting the nation.
He said his presence at the conference was a demonstration of the importance the Mbah administration attaches to young people and their role in determining the future of Nigeria.
“I am here because you matter. I am here because you are the future. I am here because the destiny of this country is in your hands,” he told the gathering.
The conference attracted youths and delegates from different parts of the country for Bible study, reflection and discussions on faith, leadership and contemporary societal challenges.
Commending the participants for defying the fears associated with insecurity to attend the conference, the Deputy Governor said Nigerians must not allow fear to discourage them from participating in activities that contribute to the growth and development of society.
He urged the youths to remain committed to doing what is right irrespective of prevailing circumstances, stressing that there could be no justification for wrongdoing.
“What is important is that we would not submit ourselves to what is wrong in the face of what is right. Because what is right is what we must all aspire to, and we cannot succeed if we don’t put in the effort,” Ossai said.
Security
On security, the Deputy Governor disclosed that the Enugu State Government had intensified efforts to tackle criminality and insecurity across the state.
According to him, security agencies had recently arrested suspects allegedly connected with kidnapping incidents and rescued victims without the payment of ransom.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing useful information that could assist in preventing crime and safeguarding communities.
Redefining success
Ossai also challenged Nigerian youths to redefine their understanding of success, warning against a culture that measures achievement solely by material possessions, wealth or political office.
He said true success should be measured by the values individuals uphold and the positive impact they make in society.
The Deputy Governor urged churches and faith-based organisations to continue creating platforms for the moral and spiritual development of young people, particularly in an environment where public office and material wealth could sometimes create a false sense of power and self-importance.
“Success should mean the values we bring to mankind. Sometimes, our job is designed to make us think we are God, so we need constant admonitions and lessons from conferences like this to draw us back, reminding us that we are all humans,” he said.
Youth participation in governance
Ossai further called for increased youth participation in governance, urging young Nigerians to actively participate in elections and support candidates whose programmes, competence and character could advance national development.
He stressed that governance should not be left exclusively in the hands of political office holders, noting that citizens had a responsibility to engage government, offer constructive criticism and speak up whenever things went wrong.
He also linked electoral malpractice and corruption to broader societal attitudes, saying the battle against corruption must begin with individuals, families, religious institutions and communities.
He urged Nigerians to collectively reject wrongdoing, irrespective of who was involved, insisting that the country could only achieve meaningful development when character, credibility and integrity became defining national values.
The Deputy Governor equally emphasised the importance of community ownership of public infrastructure, urging communities to protect government projects and hold relevant authorities accountable whenever things went wrong.
Ossai commended the Bishop of the Diocese of Nsukka, Rt. Rev. Prof. Aloysius Agbo, and the Cathedral Church of St. Paul for hosting the conference and contributing to the spiritual and moral development of young Nigerians.
He urged the participants to remain courageous, speak the truth, uphold justice and work collectively towards building a better Nigeria where character, credibility, integrity and responsible citizenship would define the nation’s future.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
