Youth leaders, policymakers and government officials converged at Modern Comprehensive College, Ekposhi, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, as youths from Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency gathered for a strategic Youth Development Conference focused on jobs, skills and economic inclusion under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration.
The conference, convened by the Member representing the constituency at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo, attracted a wide spectrum of participants, including community stakeholders and senior state officials. The central message was clear: young people must be informed, prepared and deliberately positioned to benefit from the sweeping reforms and development initiatives unfolding across Enugu State.
Structured as an orientation and capacity-building forum, the programme exposed participants to key state policies and interventions linked to employment generation, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth. Speakers consistently emphasised the need for youths to move beyond passive expectations and actively align themselves with emerging opportunities.
In his keynote address, Rt. Hon. Agbo outlined major sectors witnessing rapid transformation under Governor Mbah’s leadership, describing them as gateways for youth empowerment. He highlighted the overhaul of the transportation sector, particularly the aviation industry, with special reference to Enugu Air, which he said holds strong potential for job creation in technical, administrative and service-oriented roles.
Agbo also drew attention to the state’s investment in education through the construction of 260 Smart Schools, describing the initiative as a foundation for digital learning, innovation and future-ready skills. In the health sector, he referenced the establishment of Type C Hospitals, noting that beyond improving healthcare delivery, the facilities would expand employment opportunities for medical professionals and allied workers. He urged youths to consciously align their education, training and career goals with these growth areas.
Adding further perspective, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Patrick Uburu, spoke on the untapped potential of agriculture, presenting the sector as a major engine for wealth creation, food security and youth empowerment. He encouraged participants to embrace agribusiness, modern farming practices and value-chain opportunities being supported by the state government.
The Head of Service of Enugu State, Dr. Godwin Chinonso (MNI), also addressed the gathering, focusing on public service reforms, capacity development and the role of discipline, competence and innovation in governance. He outlined practical pathways through which young people can access government programmes, employment openings and skill-enhancement initiatives promoted by the Mbah administration.
By the close of the conference, participants described the engagement as timely and impactful, noting that it provided clarity on government priorities and concrete steps for youth participation. The event reinforced Rt. Hon. Agbo’s commitment to sustained youth engagement and empowerment, while underscoring a broader push to position Igbo-Eze North/Udenu youths as active contributors to Enugu State’s development agenda.
