By Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Engr Chidi Emmanuel Onyia, has unveiled an ambitious agenda aimed at redirecting the energy of young people from excessive political engagement to talent discovery, innovation, entrepreneurship and personal development.
Speaking during his first meeting with staff of the ministry in Abakaliki on Monday, Onyia who was recently deployed from ministry of solid minerals to youth and sports said his administration would prioritize youth empowerment initiatives capable of creating lasting opportunities for young people across the state.
The commissioner expressed concern over what he described as the growing dependence of many youths on politics as the only path to success, warning that such a mindset has prevented many from discovering their true potential.
According to him, the ministry will champion advocacy programmes encouraging youths to channel the energy they spend on political conflicts and social media attacks into acquiring productive skills, developing talents and pursuing innovation.
He noted that Ebonyi is blessed with many successful young people excelling in technology and other professions outside politics, stressing that the ministry would work to expose more youths to such opportunities.
“Our core mandate is youth development. While sports remains important, we must also invest in programmes that help young people discover themselves, build their talents and become self-reliant,” Onyia said.
The commissioner acknowledged that his tenure may be limited by the political calendar but assured staff that he was determined to make meaningful impact before the end of the current administration.
He urged workers in the ministry to see themselves as partners in achieving the ministry’s objectives, promising to maintain an open-door policy and foster a family-oriented work environment built on mutual respect and teamwork.
Onyia also disclosed plans to introduce innovative youth empowerment programmes that would leave a lasting legacy, saying even if only a handful of Ebonyi youths benefit through skills acquisition, technology and entrepreneurship initiatives, the ministry would have fulfilled part of its mandate.
Earlier, he thanked the Governor of Ebonyi State Francis Nwifuru for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the ministry, describing the appointment as a privilege and an opportunity to serve.
In his remarks, the priest who offered prayers during the event, Rev. Fr. Daniel Chinoso Nwonu, commended the commissioner’s vision, particularly his emphasis on youth development and reducing overdependence on politics.
He prayed for God to grant Onyia the wisdom, strength and grace to translate his plans into reality for the benefit of Ebonyi youths.