Igbo Youth Leaders Urge Tinubu to Prioritize Southeast Youth in Key National Appointments

Igbo youth leaders across the Southeast have passionately urged President Bola Tinubu to enhance youth inclusion in federal appointments and development initiatives.

Meeting in Awka, the youths demanded expanded representation, condemned insecurity and marginalization, and presented a bold five-year roadmap for regional empowerment.

A coalition of Igbo youth leaders from across the Southeast geopolitical zone has issued a clarion call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to ensure greater inclusion of Igbo youths in federal appointments and national development initiatives.

The appeal was made during a significant youth convention held in Awka, Anambra State, which brought together young leaders and stakeholders from all seven Igbo-speaking states in Nigeria. The convention concluded with a detailed communiqué, jointly signed by Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Leader of the Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly; Mazi Bismark Oji, Convention Chairman; and Uzoh Ifeanyi, Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.

In their joint statement, the youth leaders expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for establishing various regional development commissions. However, they emphasized the need for expanding these boards to genuinely reflect Nigeria’s diversity by including more qualified and capable Igbo youths.

“We appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the constitution of the Boards of various regional development commissions,” the statement read. “However, we respectfully request the expansion of these boards to include adequate representation of Igbo youths. Our region is rich with talents, entrepreneurial energy, and innovative ideas that can significantly contribute to both regional and national development.”

The leaders emphasized their unwavering commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria, built on a foundation of justice, equity, and mutual respect. “As patriotic Igbo youths, we stand for justice, inclusion, and national transformation,” they declared.

Insecurity and political marginalization

The communiqué also addressed the worsening security challenges in the Southeast, expressing deep concern over the growing unrest and its root causes. According to the group, lingering political grievances, perceived marginalization, and disenfranchising policies have only fueled unrest among young people in the region.

They called on youth leaders in all communities to work closely with local vigilante groups and security agencies to strengthen surveillance and forestall potential threats in towns, farmlands, and forests. Furthermore, the group issued a stern warning to Southeast governors, urging them to rise above political infighting and make security a top priority or risk rejection at the 2027 polls.

The leaders also demanded that security agencies put an end to what they described as “harassment and intimidation of innocent Igbo youths.” They advocated for a collaborative approach to intelligence gathering and crisis management, aimed at neutralizing genuine threats to peace and stability in the region.

Commendation and roadmap for development

The youth assembly acknowledged noticeable improvements in security in parts of Anambra State and commended Governor Charles Soludo for his efforts, especially in dismantling the notorious ‘Okite’ syndicate, which they say had misled numerous Igbo youths into crime and extremism.

Looking ahead, the convention adopted a bold five-year strategic action plan titled “Integrated Youth Development Initiative”. The plan aims to empower Igbo youths in critical areas such as economic productivity, education, technology, and social inclusion. It is designed to capture the aspirations of young people and serve as a roadmap for sustainable development.

The communiqué also decried the lack of a structured leadership succession plan in Igboland, calling on political elites and traditional leaders to invest in leadership mentoring and talent recruitment, without discrimination based on background or social status.

Backing national youth conference

In a show of support for broader national engagement, the youth leaders praised the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for organizing the upcoming National Youth Confab. They described the conference as a valuable opportunity to shape inclusive policies that reflect the realities of Nigerian youths across all regions.

They urged the ministry to ensure transparency and fairness in selecting participants, ensuring that all ethnic nationalities are adequately represented.

Finally, the convention officially adopted “Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly” as the name for their leadership platform, reaffirming Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu as its national leader.