Igbo youths back Tinubu, seek more federal appointments for South-East

Igbo youth leaders and stakeholders have voiced their support for President Bola Tinubu's administration, while simultaneously calling for greater federal representation for the South-East. During a convention in Awka, the group specifically requested more opportunities for federal appointments for young professionals from the region.

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The region appreciates the President Bola Tinubu administration’s efforts, but we believe more can be done to integrate young Igbo professionals into national governance.

The leaders acknowledged and praised President Tinubu's efforts, including the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the execution of infrastructure projects. Convener Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu highlighted these as significant steps towards addressing the region's developmental challenges and integrating Igbo youth into national governance.

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We commend President Tinubu for creating the South East Development Commission and for the infrastructural projects currently being executed across the South-East.

However, the group stressed that more can be done. They appealed for increased inclusion of Igbo youths in federal agencies and parastatals, emphasizing their talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit as valuable assets for national development. A communiqué issued after the convention also underscored the need for transparency and accountability within the SEDC to build public trust and ensure its mandate is met.

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At the same time, we appeal for greater inclusion of Igbo youths in federal agencies and parastatals.

Furthermore, the delegates rejected recent demands for the removal of the SEDC's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Okoye. They argued that leadership stability is crucial for the commission's growth at this stage. The convention also adopted a proposal to develop an Integrated Youth Development Master Plan for the South-East, focusing on employment, entrepreneurship, education, and productivity.

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Our young people possess the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.