Nigerian Youth Parliament pays courtesy visit to Emeka Mandela

The Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP) legislative members from Imo East Senatorial District, led by Hon. Jachimike Okereafor, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Imo State Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu.

The visit, which took place at the New Owerri Area Office on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, attracted key leaders of the NYP in Imo State.

The visiting delegation includes:

Hon. Jachimike Michael Okereafor – Current NYP Member, Representing Imo East (6th Assembly)

Hon. Lilian Onyewuchi – Former NYP Member, 3rd Assembly, Representing Imo East,

Hon. Chibuzor O. Emmanuel – Current NYP Member, Representing Imo West (Orlu Zone),

Hon. Chidimma Ibekwe – NYP Liaison Officer, Representing Ahiazu-Mbaise Constituency (Imo East),

Hon. Ifunanya M. Ibeto-Silas – NYP Liaison Officer, Representing Owerri North Constituency (Imo East),

Hon. Covenant C. Chukwuma – NYP Liaison Officer, Representing Mbaitoli Constituency (Imo East).

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Jachimike Michael Okereafor expressed deep satisfaction in engaging with Commissioner Emeka Mandela, whom he described as a dedicated youth-friendly leader.

He congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration for the development of Imo youths.

Hon. Okereafor outlined his vision for empowering young people in the state, emphasizing the need for synergy with the Imo State Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt.

He praised Governor Hope Uzodinma’s Shared Prosperity Administration for its impactful initiatives benefiting youths.

“We are here to foster synergy and partnership with the Ministry to promote youth empowerment initiatives.

One of our key upcoming projects is the ‘Imo Youth Agro Summit,’ designed to train and financially empower young people in agro-based enterprises, enabling self-employment and financial independence,” he stated.

He stressed that engaging youths in productive ventures is essential in curbing crime and insecurity, assuring that the NYP remains committed to supporting initiatives that will uplift young people in Imo State.

Adding her voice, Hon. Lilian Onyewuchi, a former NYP representative in the 3rd Assembly and the CEO of LilyEnter10ment Ltd – Catch Them Young (The Girl-Child Initiative), lauded Commissioner Mandela’s leadership.

She emphasized her commitment to empowering young girls through training and mentorship.

“Since 2016, we have trained over 1,334 young girls in Imo State under our platform, and we seek government support to expand our reach.

When you train a girl-child, you train a nation.

However, we are now proposing to also focus on the boy-child, ensuring holistic youth development in the state,” she stated.

Hon. Onyewuchi called on Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration to support skill acquisition and capacity-building programs that will equip young people for a better future.

In his response, Commissioner Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu warmly welcomed the NYP delegation and expressed delight in their visit.

He reaffirmed his commitment to youth development and pledged to collaborate with the NYP to drive positive change.

“I am pleased to receive you all. We will work together to elevate the Parliament and ensure our youths are meaningfully engaged.

Governor Hope Uzodinma is a leader who prioritizes youth development, and as a Parliamentarian myself, I understand the importance of your legislative efforts,” he stated.

Dr. Mandela encouraged the youth representatives to remain focused, law-abiding, and proactive in contributing to the state’s development.

He pledged his ministry’s support for the proposed Imo Youth Agro Summit and assured that both the girl-child and boy-child empowerment initiatives would receive government backing.

“We must ensure that every young person, regardless of gender, is given equal opportunities to succeed. My office is open for productive partnerships aimed at harnessing the talents of Imo youths,” he added.

The Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP) was established in 2008 by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as a non-partisan, legislative, and advisory body aimed at fostering youth participation in governance.

Modeled after the National Assembly, the NYP provides a platform for young leaders to engage in legislative processes, policy advocacy, and civic engagement.

Comprising representatives from all 36 states and the FCT, the Parliament debates youth-related issues, advises policymakers, and promotes leadership development.

Despite challenges such as funding and political interference, the NYP has significantly influenced youth-friendly policies and empowered future leaders.

Strengthening government commitment and increasing public awareness can further enhance its impact on national development.

The courtesy visit by the Nigerian Youth Parliament’s Imo East leadership to Commissioner Emeka Mandela marks a renewed commitment to fostering youth development in Imo State.

With assurances of collaboration from the Commissioner and Governor Uzodinma’s Shared Prosperity Administration, young leaders are set to play a more active role in governance and economic empowerment.

The proposed Imo Youth Agro Summit and other youth-driven initiatives signal a promising future, reinforcing the need for sustained partnership between government institutions and youth-focused organizations.

As Imo State continues to prioritize youth engagement, the NYP’s role in legislative advocacy and policy formulation remains crucial in shaping the next generation of leaders.

Highlights includes:11 a group photograph taken for archival purposes and a warm exchange of pleasantries among attendees.

The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie as participants shared moments of unity, reinforcing their bond.

The gathering fostered meaningful interactions, leaving lasting impressions on everyone present.

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