Senator Austin Akobundu, representing the Abia Central Senatorial District, has urged the youths of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia to serve as exemplary ambassadors of the Christian faith and responsible members of society.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the “Beginning The Year With The Lord/A Day With The Bishop Programme,” organised by the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) Umuahia Diocese at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, Senator Akobundu praised the youths for starting the year with the Lord, which, he noted, offers them a renewed opportunity to commit to the Diocesan youth apostolate.
In a speech delivered by Mr. Enyinnaya Standhope Nwaigwe, Senator Akobundu, a devoted Catholic, assured the youths of Umuahia Catholic Diocese—and indeed, all youths in Abia State—that he holds them in high regard and is committed to involving them in his numerous youth-oriented initiatives.
As Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Akobundu highlighted his efforts to tackle youth unemployment and restiveness. He has organised various training and empowerment programmes for many youths in Abia Central, covering fields such as fishery, sewing, painting, and cosmetology. Additionally, he has awarded scholarships to 113 students at the National Teachers’ Institute, Oboro Ikwuano Study Centre, and is in the process of building Skills Acquisition Centres across the six LGAs of Abia Central. Furthermore, he has facilitated job placements with various federal MDAs and empowered 1,000 youths with digital skills, among other initiatives focused on youth development.
He emphasised that all current and forthcoming programmes aim to enhance the capacity of the youthful population in the Abia Central Senatorial District and assured them of even more substantial initiatives to come.
In his address, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, encouraged the youths to resist the pervasive get-rich-quick mentality and to remain steadfast followers of Christ, who endured suffering for the sake of humanity’s redemption.
The Umuahia Diocesan President of CYON, Catechist Igboeche Ernest Chukwujindu, remarked that the event provided an invaluable opportunity for the youths to rededicate themselves to God. He expressed gratitude for God’s mercy and grace, which enable them to face Nigeria’s challenges, and he thanked Senator Austin Akobundu and other guests for their support.
In their separate remarks, CYON Chaplain Rev. Fr. Christian Okoro, Sir Chris Nwanevu (Chairman of the occasion), and Sir Titus Agomuoh (Chairman of the Diocesan Pastoral Council), commended the youths for their dedication to the faith and pledged their continued support.
The event included a question and answer session, cultural displays by the youths, and other engaging activities.
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