By Olisemeka Obeche

The Majority Leader of the Anambra West Local Government Legislative Council, Hon. Okonkwo Ndubuisi Odili, has urged youths in Anambra West and across Anambra State to take a more active role in politics, warning that continued political apathy could weaken their influence over decisions that shape their future.

Odili, who represents Umuoba Anam Ward in the local government legislature, made the call during a special podcast programme organised by the Umuezeanya Youth Association. He expressed concern over the low level of youth participation in elections and other civic activities, saying the situation had contributed to poor voting strength in the area.

The lawmaker said increasing youth political participation was one of the issues he prioritised during his campaign because of its implications for the development and political influence of the area. “I made this one of my campaign agenda because I understand the great disadvantage our area is having because most of our youths shy away from political activities. The result is that in most elections, our voting strength is low,” Odili said.

He urged young people to reject political violence, thuggery and other social vices, stressing that their participation in politics should be driven by civic responsibility, productivity and lawful conduct. “My advice to the youth of Anambra West and Anambra State in general is not to allow themselves to be used for election violence. They should be law-abiding while they dedicate more time to their respective businesses or careers and politics because they are the leaders of tomorrow and must be close to power so they can be able to lead tomorrow,” he said.

Highlighting some of his activities in the legislature, Odili said he had sponsored motions seeking the grading of Umuoba Abegbu waterside road and the sand-filling of the Umuoba Abegbu–Mmiata Anam bypass after it became impassable. He also said he raised a motion for the sand-filling of the Iyiora Anam–Ebenebe Road and facilitated the inclusion of residents of Umuoba Abegbu and Iyiora Anam in the Anambra West Local Government farmers’ empowerment programme.

The legislator further said he facilitated the provision of 100 streetlight panels and poles for installation in Umuoba Abegbu and Iyiora Anam, while also attracting a solar-powered borehole to Umuoba Abegbu. Odili added that he sponsored a Bill seeking the control and regulation of masquerade activities in Anambra West, which had passed second reading, saying the proposed legislation was intended to address avoidable inter-community conflicts associated with masquerade-related clashes.

The Chairman of Umuezeanya Youth Association, Amb. Olisemeka Obeche, commended Odili for what he described as his commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots development, urging the lawmaker to remain steadfast in his legislative efforts. “We are delighted to have such a young, astute political leader who has placed the youth at the centre of his legislative agenda,” Obeche said.

Obeche also expressed the association’s readiness to partner with Odili, as well as relevant government and non-governmental organisations, to promote human capital development among youths in the area. He said stronger collaboration among youth organisations, elected representatives and development institutions would create more opportunities for young people to become economically productive and actively engaged in community development.

The programme anchor, Mr. Osita Nneke, and the producer, Mr. Augustine Okafor, also commended the lawmaker for his people-oriented legislative agenda and urged him to sustain his efforts. The programme provided an opportunity for residents and youths to engage directly with the lawmaker on political participation, community development and issues affecting the grassroots.