Anambra Govt Trains Senior Prefects, School Disciplinarians in Maiden Youth Leadership Programme

By Ukpa Ewa

The Anambra State Government has launched a new initiative to groom responsible, disciplined and transformational young leaders through a maiden leadership training programme for Senior Secondary School Prefects and School Disciplinarians across the state.

The programme, organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Reformation, was held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Awka, with students and teachers drawn from various secondary schools in attendance.

Declaring the programme open, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of the state, emphasising that discipline, good character and responsible leadership were fundamental to building a better Anambra and Nigeria.

Recalling his experience as a senior prefect and labour prefect at Federal Government College, Minna, Ibezim said his leadership journey exposed him to gaps in student leadership that required deliberate intervention.

He commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for prioritising youth development and applauded the Special Adviser on Youth Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, for initiating the programme.

The Deputy Governor urged the prefects to lead by example, remain disciplined and pursue knowledge, reminding them that leadership was not merely a position but a responsibility they already exercised in their respective schools.

“Leadership begins with you. You must demonstrate discipline, good character and the values you want others to emulate,” he charged the students.

In his welcome address, the convener and Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, MNIPR, said the initiative was in line with Governor Soludo’s vision of making Anambra youths critical assets and co-creators of the New Anambra project.

He described the programme as an opportunity to reshape young people’s thinking, promote self-discovery and instil responsible conduct, stressing that the state was intentional about preparing the next generation for leadership.

Omenugha urged the participants to maximise the opportunities available to them and become active contributors to Anambra’s development.

He further directed the prefects to establish Youth Reformation Clubs in their respective schools and commence activities immediately.

According to him, he would undertake on-the-spot assessments of the clubs and explore possible support for their activities, while ensuring that knowledge gained from the training was extended to other students.

He challenged the participants to become ambassadors of positive change and take the lessons learnt beyond the conference hall.

Speaking on the journey to success, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Naira Rice Limited, Mr. Arinze Omenwa, cautioned the students against confusing appointments with genuine leadership.

“Being appointed a prefect does not automatically make you a leader. Leadership is demonstrated through positive influence, courage, discipline and the willingness to stand for what is right,” he said.

Sharing lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, including setbacks and eventual recovery, Omenwa identified self-discipline, self-awareness, consistency, courage, excellence, sacrifice and self-belief as essential ingredients for success.

He also demonstrated his commitment to educational advancement by awarding scholarships to two secondary school students.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Zobis Cable Limited, Mr. John Ezeobi, encouraged the students to discover their purpose, set realistic goals and begin pursuing their dreams early in life.

Drawing from his experience of establishing his company at the age of 22 while still at university, Ezeobi emphasised hard work, consistency and focus as critical success factors.

He warned the students against distractions and the misleading lifestyle portrayals often encountered on social media, urging them to remain committed to their goals.

The practical session was facilitated by Mr. Valentine Nnamani, Team Lead of OneGrid Energies and winner of the AU-EU ENRICH Open Innovation Challenge, who served as the Lead Reflector.

During the interactive session, participants shared their experiences and highlighted some of the challenges confronting student leadership in their schools.

Miss Marycynthia Okeke of Community Secondary School, Iyiowa Odekpe, Ogbaru, said the training had strengthened her confidence to speak up, ask questions and actively participate in leadership responsibilities.

Similarly, Emmanuel Okechukwu of Boys Secondary School, Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, called for greater support from teachers and school principals.

He appealed to school authorities to guide and encourage prefects rather than intimidate them while carrying out their responsibilities.

A school counsellor, Mrs. Ekwunife Ogonna of Union Secondary School, Umuawulu, Awka South Local Government Area, described the programme as timely and impactful.

She urged the state government to institutionalise the initiative as an annual event to ensure that successive generations of student leaders benefit from the training.

Also speaking, Mr. Daniel Ejiofor of Community Secondary School, Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, commended the organisers and called for an expansion of the programme to accommodate more students across the state.

The event climaxed with an interactive question-and-answer session and the presentation of 20 free MTN broadband Cat 4 4G LTE routers to enhance digital connectivity and empower the young participants.

The Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Chris Molokwu, was among the dignitaries who attended the event.

The maiden training programme marks another step towards strengthening student leadership, promoting positive school culture and preparing young people to take up greater responsibilities in society.
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