Enugu Governor Peter Mbah Calls For More Youth Participation In Policy Making | Sahara Reporters

He charged young people to strive and engage in meaningful and profitable ventures.

The Enugu State government has reiterated its commitment to harnessing the vast potential of Enugu youths and ensuring their participation in policy and decision making processes.

Governor Peter Mbah made this known at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, during the Enugu State 2026 Youth Conference held in commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day, themed “Youth In Policy Making: A Shared Responsibility”.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah expressed delight at the contributions of young people in his State Executive Council, who have made significant efforts to develop the resources of the state.

He charged young people to strive and engage in meaningful and profitable ventures.

The governor also acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Water Resources, Barr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu; Commissioner for Power and Solid Minerals, Hon. Franklin Enyinnaya Ogbonna; and the SSA on Revenue Mobilization, Hon. Mrs. Adenike Okechukwu Adesina, to the development of the state.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, called on young people in the state to make themselves available for activities that will bring growth and development to the state.

He commended Governor Mbah for always prioritising the progress of Enugu youths, while also praising the competence of the Governor’s Special Assistant on Youth and Students, Hon. Prisca Okeke, for her commitment to ensure an improvement in the lives of Enugu youths.

“As young people, you have the responsibility to make Enugu State better. Be part of the policy making process, always contribute to public discussions on national and state issues, and use your talents positively.”

In her welcome address, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State on Youth and Students, Hon. Prisca Okeke, stated that Governor Mbah, through his policies, programmes and projects, has repositioned Enugu youths to become more creative in their various endeavours.

According to her, “Enugu youths must recognise that the future of our state depends largely on the choices we make today. We must move beyond complaints and become active participants in shaping policies that affect our lives. I encourage every young person to acquire knowledge, build useful skills, support one another and take advantage of opportunities provided by government. Together, we can create a generation of confident, innovative and responsible young people who will contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Enugu State.”

Highlights of the event were the presentation of prizes to winners of the 2026 Enugu State Youth Business Pitch, where the First Prize winner, Ugochi Nwonye of Eco-Cycler, got a sum of ₦1,000,000.00, the Second Prize winner Jessica Dinwoke from Edu-play got ₦500,000.00, while the Third Prize winner Emmanuel Ezeh from Cyber Switch got ₦300,000.00 respectively.

More so, 10 finalists made oral presentations that were judged by a panel, while four youths also received ovens to support their businesses, which also included Wealth Emmanuel, Onyekachi Ogbodo, and a physically challenged entrepreneur who expressed gratitude to the organisers.

The event also witnessed the presence of top dignitaries across the state, such as the Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Kingsley Udeh, who was represented by the Public Relations Officer of PRODA, Dr. Ifeoma Ezeh; Hon. Okey Anthony Mbah; Hon. Princess Obiajulu Ugwu; Mrs. Adenike Okebu; Hon. Ephraim Chukwuma Okenwa; Prof. Mrs. Obiamaka Egbo; Hon. Chisimdi Okoh, amongst others.