Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has called on youths to be agents of peace in order to create the enabling environment for viable progress and development.
Ugwuanyi said this on Wednesday in an address at “The South East Debate 2021” in Enugu.
The debate is themed: “Restructuring: Panacea to National Unity, Peace and Progress …?”
“I charge the youths on being agents of peace and continue the conversation of bringing about a better, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria in your homes.
“We all should be agents of peace and ensure we give peace a chance for progress and development that we desire to come,’’ Ugwuanyi, represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Chief Chidi Aroh, said.
The governor said that his administration had over the years built bridges of peace and love among Enugu people that had allowed for robust development in various sectors of the state.
According to him, “the state under my watch has made tremendous progress in judiciary, health and education sectors as well as robust youth engagement and empowerment among others.”
He said that his administration would continue to support youthful engagements, empowerments and use viable avenues to explain issues to the youths.
Speaking, the Convener of the debate, Mr Monday Ani, said that the debate was to find solutions to some challenges in the country, especially in the South East.
Ani, who is also the Special Assistant to Enugu State Government on Culture and Tourism, said that youths must be in the know of their role for a peaceful and united country through intellectual reasoning.
“The debate has created a consciousness for youths to appreciate the issues and challenges facing the country,” he said.
A total of 25 higher institutions in the five South East states participated in the debate; while Ebonyi State University came first with 130.4 points.
Abia State University came second with 124.1 points; Federal University of Technology, Owerri came third with 109.6 points; Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, came fourth with 109 points and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, came fifth with 104 points.
The event also featured the presentation of an award of “Peace, Unity and Leadership” to Gov. Ugwuanyi as well as award to eight other illustrious sons of South East.
A minute silence and prayers were held for the repose of youths that lost their lives during the Lekki Tollgate EndSARS protest in Lagos State in 2020. (NAN)
