Imo Gov’ship aspirant urges youths to demand accountability, reject political manipulation
Imo Gov’ship aspirant urges youths to demand accountability, reject political manipulation
By Gbolahan Salman
An Imo State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Labour Party, Hon. Ifeanyi Thaddaus Ezeagu, has urged Nigerian youths to actively participate in governance, demand accountability and reject political manipulation.
Ezeagu made the call in a statement commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day, where he described young people as critical stakeholders in the development of Imo State and Nigeria.
He said youths should no longer be regarded merely as leaders of tomorrow, stressing that their energy, ideas, talents and determination were needed to address the country’s challenges.
“You are not the leaders of tomorrow—you are leaders today. Your energy, ideas, talents and determination are essential to building the Imo State we deserve and the Nigeria we desire,” he said.
Ezeagu said youth empowerment must go beyond political promises and translate into quality education, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, skills development, access to technology, affordable healthcare and meaningful participation in governance.
He envisioned an Imo State where young people would not be forced to abandon their aspirations because of poverty, while graduates would have opportunities to deploy their knowledge and entrepreneurs could establish and grow businesses without unnecessary barriers.
The Labour Party aspirant also urged youths to hold political leaders accountable and resist being used during election periods without benefiting from governance afterwards.
“Do not allow anyone to use your strength only during elections and forget you afterward. Demand accountability. Demand competence. Demand leaders who will listen to you, work with you and invest in your future,” he said.
He called on Nigerian youths to reject division, violence, drug abuse and political manipulation, while embracing education, entrepreneurship, innovation, responsible citizenship and peaceful democratic participation.
According to him, the responsibility for building a better Nigeria rests not only with government but also with citizens, particularly the younger generation.
“The future of Nigeria cannot be built by government alone. We must build it together,” Ezeagu said.
He further pledged to promote a governance model in Imo State where youths and women would be treated as partners in development rather than spectators.
“As a governorship aspirant under the platform of the Labour Party, I remain committed to a vision of an Imo State where youths and women are partners in development, not spectators; where talent is rewarded, hard work is respected, and opportunity is available to all,” he said.
Ezeagu challenged young people to acquire knowledge, develop their talents, participate in civic activities and vote wisely, saying the time had come for a new generation of leadership and a new culture of governance.
He congratulated youths across Imo State and Nigeria on the occasion and expressed optimism that their resilience and determination would contribute significantly to the country’s development.
Pic: Hon Ifeanyi Thaddaus Ezeagu
