ASATU Youth Trains 179 Anambra Youth Leaders on Governance, Community Devt

By Ukpa Ewa

Anambra State Association of Town Unions Youth Wing (ASATU Youth) has successfully trained youth leaders drawn from all 179 communities in Anambra State, alongside South-East youth leaders.

The workshop, held in Awka, has as its theme: “The Role of ASATU Youth in Deepening and Consolidating Leadership, Security, Governance and Value System for Community Development in Line with the Solution Agenda of Mr. Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo.”

The event aimed to empower youth leaders in effective leadership, community governance and value based development in alignment with the Solution Agenda of Governor Soludo.

Speaking at the opening, the Chairman of Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC), Sir Vin Dike, praised the inclusive structure of the council, highlighting the representation of Presidents General (PGs), women leaders and youth leaders. He commended Comrade Ken Okoli, President General of ASATU Youth, for organizing the impactful training.

Sir Dike emphasized the importance of character and service in leadership. “It is not about where you find yourself but what you do with where you are,” he said. He urged the youths to lead with integrity, transparency and unity, and to maintain close collaboration with their community PGs.

Addressing Journalists, the ASATU Youth President General, Comrade Ken Okoli, stated that the workshop was designed to build leadership capacity and instill a deep sense of governance and value among youth leaders. “This training aligns with the fourth pillar of Governor Soludo’s administration – Governance and Value System,” he noted.

Comrade Okoli also unveiled a new publication that defines the core values of Ndi Anambra, describing them as the “Light of the Nation.” He said the training, enshrined in ASATU Youth’s 2023 byelaw, would be conducted annually. “After this, the leaders will not remain the same. They will be prepared to serve in higher capacities,” he added.

In his presentation titled “Community Development: Prospects and Challenges”, Mr. Chudi Mojekwu urged youths to be proactive agents of development. He encouraged them to participate in town hall meetings, volunteer for community work and stay away from anti-social behavior, stressing their potential as vital sources of social capital.

Also speaking, Ude Ezechukwu, Youth Leader representing Ihiala Town, described the training as a laudable collaboration between ASATU Youth, the Ministry of Youth Development and Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs. He highlighted the importance of integrating young people into grassroots governance and sensitizing them on the value of acquiring skills.

He added, “When the government provides enabling infrastructure such as security, electricity and good roads, our youths can thrive and many of the problems affecting them, including unemployment and restiveness, will be tackled.”

The workshop featured various interactive and capacity-building sessions, consensus-building exercises, and concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants.