The President, Enemona Josh Humanitarian Foundation, Ambassador Gabriel Onoja has called on Kogi East Youths to mobilise against politicians who have failed to delivered dividend of democracy to the people should not be supported to emerge in the forthcoming general elections.
Onoja gave the charge on Saturday at the First Igala National Youth Summit, with the theme, the role of the youth in Kogi East development Agenda” held at the Lagos Travels Inn, MKO Abiola Crescent, Ikeja Lagos.
Ambassador Onoja , who is the guest of honour at the summit said , the eastern senatorial district of Kogi state would be developed, if only the youth could identify and work for the emergence of those with integrity, compassion and capabilities to effect sustainable development to the zone.
He said in the same breath, they are to spot those whose antecedents have been against the growth and development of zone to ensure that they are not returned to power or other positions of responsibility.
The president of the foundation, charged them to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards and ensure the transfer of same to their localities ( Those who did not registered at home) for possible casting of votes for acceptable candidates.
While commending the organisers of the Lagos Summit with intent to raise consciousness of the youth for excellence in their chosen vocations, Ambassador Onoja said, even the distance could not affect their patriotism and urged others from across the country to emulate Lagos chapter for the growth of the people.
Onoja while enumerating the achievements of Enemona foundation to uplift the welfare of our people, the Philanthropist announced that by September, 2022, the foundation will provide free scholarship from Nursery, primary to secondary for one thousand children in Inele Ugoh community and its environs.
He disclosed further, that in addition to scholarship, pupils would be fed at least once a week to provide nutrient for their mental development.
Ambassador Onoja, hinted that as part of effort to rid the zone of criminal elements, he had organized youths into cooperatives for artisenal mining on numerous sites that abound across the state.
He said , the cooperatives have empowered not fewer than 300 youth group who are making worthy living that has kept off criminality.
He charged the youths to be ready to demand accountability from those serving now and make sure good politicians emerge in 2023 by mobilizing votes and ensure that their votes are counted.
“We must also champion the fight against cultism, thuggery, political killings, election malpractices, imposition of bad and failed leaders, destruction of community property and every index that makes us under-developed.
“On the economic front , Kogi East is blessed with mineral resources and agricultural products. I urge you here in Lagos to use your connections to bring in investors that will explore our minerals towards engaging our youths, provide employment for our women and bring prosperity to the land.
“The economic development of Igala land will make us competitive among other tribes in Nigeria, take our youths from poverty and crime and above all, make our people live well.
“As an individual, in the past three years I have been able to bring some developments to our land through my foundation, Enemona Humanitarian Foundation through women empowerment, youths’ engagements in artisanal mining at various sites in Kogi State, ensuring interreligious harmony among Christians and Muslims in the state, scholarship for orphans and other vulnerable persons among other interventions
“By September this year, over one thousand children in Inele Ugoh community will be given one hundred percent scholarship to study for free at primary and secondary school level.
“We will enroll and give them free books, uniforms, sandals, games and compound wears and possible a school bus. We shall recruit teachers in relevant subject areas which the foundation will pay and motivate them to stay. We intend to feed the children at the nursery section at least once a week” he said.
Meanwhile, the convener of the summit , Alhassan Tijani commended him for his effort at providing succour for the widows, orphans and generate gainful sources of livelihoods to the people and charge others to contribute their quota to the development of their father land.
According to him, it took the effort of well meaning sons and daughters of Igala extraction for the hosting of this first National Youth Summit in Lagos, hence encourage the participants to preach and act in love , by being their brothers’ keepers.
Those in attendance include Onu Igala Lagos, Chief Usman Ejima, other chiefs from major districts in Lagos, notable guests from all over Lagos and neighbouring states and various Igala Musical artists.
