2027: NYC Warns Enugu Youths Against Militancy, Political Hooliganism, Says ‘Don’t Be Used as Agents of Destruction’
The Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC), Enugu State chapter, has charged youths in the state to shun militancy, political thuggery and all forms of hooliganism capable of threatening the peace and stability of the state as the 2027 general elections approach.
The State Chairman of the Congress, Prince Wilfred Edeoga, gave the charge on Friday in Enugu during the inauguration of the 17 newly appointed Interim Local Government Coordinators of the organisation.
Edeoga warned the newly appointed grassroots youth leaders against allowing themselves to be recruited or manipulated by politicians and other interests to perpetrate violence, stressing that the future of the youths should not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
NYC Chair, Prince Edeoga flanked by State officers
He said: “As we approach the 2027 elections, I urge our youths to reject militancy, political hooliganism and every form of violence. Do not allow yourselves to be used as agents of destruction.
“Your energy, intelligence and numerical strength should be deployed towards building your communities, acquiring skills, creating opportunities and participating meaningfully in governance, rather than being used to destroy the very future you are expected to inherit.”
The NYC chairman said the inauguration of the 17 coordinators was part of efforts to strengthen grassroots youth leadership and establish an effective structure capable of reaching young people across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.
According to him, the appointment was not merely about conferring titles on individuals, but about entrusting them with responsibility for mobilising, mentoring and coordinating youths at the grassroots.
“Today marks a significant step in our drive to strengthen grassroots youth leadership across the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State. This appointment is not just about giving titles. It is about entrusting responsibility, building structure and bringing youth development programmes closer to our young people at the community level,” he said.
Edeoga described youths as the engine room of innovation, productivity and sustainable development, but noted that their potentials could only be fully harnessed through credible, committed and responsible leadership.
He charged the newly appointed coordinators to see their positions as a call to service rather than an avenue for personal enrichment or political aggrandisement.
“You have been chosen because of your commitment, capacity and proven dedication to youth development in your respective LGAs. For the next five months, you will serve as the official link between the State Executive and the youths in your domain.
“You are expected to unite the various youth groups, promote peace and discipline, implement our programmes and ensure that no young person in your LGA is left behind in skills acquisition, empowerment and civic engagement opportunities,” he stated.
The chairman further directed the coordinators to submit monthly reports on their activities and participate actively in state programmes, warning that their performance at the grassroots would determine whether their appointments would be confirmed.
He said: “This office demands integrity, diligence and selfless service. It is not a position for personal aggrandisement. It is a platform to build others, create opportunities and contribute to the vision of ‘Enugu Arising: The Youth, The Vision, The Future.’
“We expect monthly reports, active participation in state programmes and visible impact in your LGAs. Performance will determine confirmation. We are watching, we are supporting and we are counting on you.”
Edeoga also called on youths across the state to cooperate with the coordinators while holding them accountable for their stewardship.
He urged the young people to channel their energy into productive ventures, peacebuilding, civic participation and community development, rather than activities that could expose them to criminality or political manipulation.
Secretary, zonal chairmen charge coordinators
Earlier, the State Secretary of the NYC, Princewill Agu, urged the newly appointed coordinators to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating discipline, loyalty, inclusiveness and commitment to grassroots youth mobilisation.
Agu stressed that the coordinators must understand that their positions carried responsibilities beyond their respective youth organisations, urging them to build bridges among different youth groups and ensure inclusivity in their programmes.
He said the success of the NYC at the grassroots would depend largely on the ability of the coordinators to translate the vision and programmes of the state executive into tangible benefits for young people in their communities.
The three zonal chairmen of the Congress, Hon. Obinna Kenneth- Enugu East, Hon. Amobi Eneani – West and Ike Ezeugwu of the of the Enugu North, also took turns to counsel the coordinators on the responsibilities attached to their new positions.
They emphasised the need for effective grassroots mobilisation, regular communication with the state leadership, peaceful conflict resolution, youth empowerment and active participation in programmes designed to improve the welfare and prospects of young people.
The zonal leaders also cautioned the coordinators against actions capable of undermining the credibility of the Congress, urging them to operate with transparency, discipline and respect for constituted authority.
The NYC leadership said the new grassroots structure was expected to deepen youth participation in governance and development while strengthening the capacity of young people to contribute positively to the socio-economic advancement of Enugu State.
The state chairman further urged the coordinators to “serve with honour” and work collectively to build a generation of youths defined not by violence and political manipulation, but by enterprise, responsible citizenship, peace and purposeful leadership.
NYC Chair, Prince Edeoga poses with LG Coordinators
The ceremony, which attracted leaders of youth organisations, stakeholders and members of the media, climaxed with the formal presentation of appointment letters to the 17 Interim Local Government Coordinators.
The zonal chairmen will inaugurate the rest of the officers at the local government level while the LG Coordinators will in turn perform the function for the leadership at the wards.
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
