Chinazaekpere Chinwendu, Reporter
Abia State, Nigeria – June 23, 2025
In a passionate reaffirmation of his commitment to youth empowerment, the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has described the youth of Ikwuano/Umuahia as “our greatest asset,” emphasizing the need for consistent investment in talent development, education, and leadership mentoring.
Speaking during a community stakeholders’ forum in Umuahia, Hon. Aguocha reiterated his vision for a constituency where young people are not only empowered to dream but are also given the resources and mentorship to achieve their potential across various sectors.
According to him, talent abounds in Ikwuano/Umuahia, but opportunities must be created to harness and refine that talent for collective growth.
“Our youth are our greatest asset; not oil, not land, not infrastructure. When we invest in young people, we invest in a better future,” Aguocha said. “We must be intentional about nurturing their talents, whether in academics, creative arts, agriculture, entrepreneurship, or technology. That is how nations are built.”
As part of his ongoing youth development initiative, Hon. Aguocha will unveil a new phase of his Constituency Talent Advancement Program (CTAP), a multi-sectoral intervention aimed at supporting gifted youths in areas such as arts, sports, ICT, and business innovation. This will follow earlier efforts which included the provision of educational support across all wards of the federal constituency.
“In the past year alone, we’ve supported over 300 students with scholarships and learning materials,” Aguocha revealed. “But we are not stopping there. We are moving towards building talent hubs, places where young people can develop their ideas with access to mentorship, tools, and funding.”
The lawmaker also noted that the talent of many young constituents remains untapped due to poverty, lack of access to modern platforms, and inadequate support systems. He called on private sector partners, community leaders, and religious institutions to collaborate in creating inclusive avenues for talent discovery and growth.
“We must not leave this work to the government alone,” he said. “Every family, every church, every local business must take it as a moral responsibility to encourage and promote the potential of the younger generation.”
Aguocha concluded his remarks by reaffirming that true national transformation begins from the grassroots, and that if properly supported, the youth of Ikwuano/Umuahia would not only shine in Nigeria but across the global stage.
“The future of Nigeria is sitting in our villages, in our classrooms, in our markets, young boys and girls waiting for someone to believe in them. I have chosen to be that someone,” Hon. Aguocha declared.
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