The Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has charged Abia youths across the state to take the lead in promoting good governance, voter education and responsible political participation.
Pastor Ajagba who gave the charge at Government House Umuahia, while addressing members of Abia Progressive Elites, described them as critical drivers of sustainable development.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor commended the group for its vision anchored on policy advocacy, good governance and the empowerment of youths and women, noting that such ideals align perfectly with the reform agenda of the Governor Alex Otti administration. He explained that the Governor’s resolve to rebuild Abia was driven by a desire to reposition the state on the path of accountability and development.
Pastor Ajagba expressed concern over the rising incidence of vote buying, which he described as a major flaw in the nation’s democratic process, and regretted that many citizens are yet to fully understand the long-term consequences of selling their votes for short-term gains.
He further emphasized that Governor Otti is laying a solid foundation for a new Abia through transparent and people-oriented governance, and urged the group to take voter education to the grassroot as well as remain steadfast in educating Abians on the gains of good governance.
Earlier in their separate speeches, the leader of the delegation and founder of Abia Progressive Elites, Dr. Alfred Lucky and the group’s Inauguration Committee Chairman, Evangelist Jiteh Ezeh, disclosed that the association is firmly committed to advancing grassroots political awareness across the state, sensitization of citizens on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, leadership development and mentorship, as well as the training and empowerment of youths and women in various entrepreneurial and vocational skills aimed at fostering self-reliance and economic inclusion.
They further commended Governor Alex Otti for his transformational strides across all facets of the state’s economy, noting that his people-oriented reforms have restored confidence in governance and rekindled hope among Abians, assuring of their readiness to partner with government in mobilizing citizens towards good governance and inclusive development across the state.
The Acting Secretary to Abia State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Eric Egwuibe, the MD/CEO ABSSAA, High Chief Victoria Onwubiko, DG Strategic Communications Bureau, Barr Onyebuchi Ememanka, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Entertainment, Mr Justice Martins and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy, Elizabeth Chijioke were present during the visit.
