By Ikenna Orioha
Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, ISOPADEC, yesterday, held seminar: ISOPADEC Youth Interactive Development Forum for youths of the oil bearing communities in Imo State, bringing together youth leaders and stakeholders to deliberate on peace, security and sustainable development.
The seminar, held at Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Secretariat, Owerri, themed “Youth Engagement as a Catalyst for Peace, Security and Development”, was attended by Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Youth Presidents and representatives from the three ISOPADEC local government areas.
Also, they passed a vote of implicit confidence on Governor Hope Uzodimma and Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Hon. Austin Onyedebelu.
Raising motion for the vote of confidence, ISOPADEC Youth Presidents of Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema, Ohanyere Vin Jorge and Ogbabi Chinagorom Justus, identified the Governor and the ISOPADEC MD as pragmatic leaders who they added have brought development, peace and security at the oil/gas producing communities having believed so much in democracy and humanity.
During the interactive session, participants raised concerns on unemployment, scholarships, restoration of youth subventions, electricity supply, road infrastructure and the need for deliberate development of oil producing communities.
The youth leaders stressed that youths in the oil region are peace-loving, possess the skills and manpower required to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development if they are adequately supported.
The Forum stressed renewed commitment by the youth to promote unity, peace advocacy and constructive collaboration with government and relevant stakeholders in advancing sustainable development across the oil producing region.
Earlier, in his address, the MD of ISOPADEC, Hon. Austin Onyedebelu, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to work closely with youths who he sees as strategic partners in development, peace and security, emphasizing collaboration, inclusiveness and shared responsibility as key drivers of sustainable growth and assured participants of renewed focus on youth empowerment program, capacity-building and infrastructural interventions.
He disclosed plans to facilitate specialized overseas training opportunities for selected youths to enhance technical skills and global exposure, commending the youth for their constructive engagement and assured them that all issues raised would be carefully reviewed.
