By Oyem Jonathan
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike , has called on political leaders at all levels to deepen their commitment to youth inclusion by creating sustainable employment opportunities and expanding empowerment programmes capable of harnessing the productive potential of young people.
Chukwunwike made the call on Wednesday at the chairman’s Lodge in Ogwashi-Uku during a stakeholders’ gathering organized to appreciate members of his political family, councilors, support groups, and other loyalists for their steadfast support before, during, and after his emergence as council chairman.
Among those acknowledged were members of Team JC, Pastor Jude Empowerment Programme (P-JEP), Association of Ogwashi-Uku Council Staff (OCS), Aniocha South Female Youths in Politics, NULGE, Togetherness, One Family, JC Empowerment, and other political support structures that contributed to the success of his political journey.
Addressing the gathering, the council chairman emphasized the strategic importance of youth participation in governance and development, describing young people as an indispensable force in nation-building.
“The place of youths in national life is synonymous with the relationship between the human heart and the blood. Their contributions are indispensable to the growth, stability, and future prosperity of society,” he said.
He urged young people to continue supporting government policies and programmes designed to improve their welfare, while assuring them that his administration remains committed to initiatives that promote economic empowerment, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and meaningful engagement.
According to him, leadership is ultimately measured by impact and service to the people. “As a political leader, I understand my roots and the electoral mandate entrusted to me. Leadership is not about personal acclaim; it is about the positive impact made on the lives of the people. The people you serve should be the ones to tell your story through the benefits they derive from your stewardship,” he stated.
Chukwunwike explained that the gathering was convened primarily to acknowledge and celebrate individuals and groups whose loyalty, dedication, and unwavering belief sustained his political aspiration through challenging periods.
He commended members of the various support groups for their resilience, integrity, and commitment, noting that political success is rarely an individual achievement but the product of collective sacrifice and shared vision.
The chairman stressed the importance of remaining connected to one’s roots, political family, and support base, describing such relationships as the foundation upon which enduring leadership is built.
He particularly expressed gratitude to leaders and members of the various groups, stating that their contributions would not be forgotten and reaffirming the principle that every act of goodwill deserves recognition and appreciation.
Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, Chukwunwike pledged to sustain ongoing infrastructure projects, broaden youth empowerment programmes, and expand support for women through business grants and other economic initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods across the council.
The event underscored the chairman’s commitment to inclusive governance, grassroots mobilization, and the consolidation of political structures necessary for sustainable development and community progress in Aniocha South Local Government Area.
