-Laments Deplorable State Of Public Infrastructure In Orlu zone
By Ikenna Orioha
The Orluzurumee Youth Assembly (OYA) has announced plans to hold its National Youth Summit on October 17, 2026, as part of efforts to empower young people across the Orlu Senatorial Zone and promote leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and community development.
The decision was reached during the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Assembly held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the organisation’s National Secretariat in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to a press release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Assembly, Ikenna Orioha, the summit is designed to serve as a strategic platform for inspiring and mobilising youths towards active civic participation and sustainable community development.
The Council disclosed that a high-powered planning committee would soon be constituted to coordinate activities leading to the successful hosting of the summit.
Beyond the summit, the Assembly expressed concern over what it described as the widespread neglect of public schools, primary healthcare centres and other critical public infrastructure across the twelve local government areas that make up the Orlu Senatorial Zone.
It described the condition of the facilities as unacceptable and inconsistent with the principles of democratic governance, urging executive chairmen and other local government authorities to demonstrate greater commitment to the welfare of the people through prudent, transparent and effective management of public resources.
The youth body called on the councils to prioritise the rehabilitation of abandoned and dilapidated public infrastructure while embarking on the construction of durable and people-centred projects capable of improving the living conditions of residents.
The Assembly stressed that greater investment in education, healthcare and basic infrastructure would enhance human capital development, productivity and sustainable economic growth across the zone.
It also appealed to local government authorities to create more employment opportunities and meaningful engagements for young people, noting that youth empowerment would help reduce poverty, unemployment, hardship and insecurity while harnessing the potential of young people as partners in community development.
The Council reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to constructive engagement with governments and other stakeholders in advancing peace, unity, inclusive development and economic prosperity across the Orlu Senatorial Zone.
