Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe and Chief Eze Chidera Jude, popularly known as Ubiego 1 of Enugu State, have called on youths in the state to support Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s re-election bid, citing his administration’s youth-focused programmes and infrastructural development.
Onuokaibe, Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd and Mburubu Construction Company, made the call on Saturday at the Enugu Skill Fest 2026, organised by the Youth Awakening and Development Initiative (YADI) at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
He urged young people to take advantage of opportunities created by the Mbah administration, arguing that effective utilisation of such programmes could improve their livelihoods and position them for greater economic participation.
According to Onuokaibe, the governor has demonstrated commitment to youth development through policies and programmes designed to equip young people with practical, digital and entrepreneurial skills.
He cited initiatives including the Mbah Youth Technical Empowerment Programme (MYTEP), Enugu Youth Enterprise Launchpad (EYEL), digital skills and innovation programmes through the Enugu SME Centre, Enugu Magic Labs Animation Training Programme and various skills acquisition schemes.
He also mentioned Science, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (STV/TVET) schools, entrepreneurship and agro-enterprise initiatives, software development, coding and other technology programmes as opportunities capable of helping youths become economically self-reliant.
“This is why Enugu youths must be part of this advancement so as to be creators of jobs and not seekers, as 21st-century talents require massive mentorship and learning,” Onuokaibe said.
He also commended Mbah’s infrastructural projects across the state, particularly road construction linking his community, saying it was the first time since the community’s existence that a government had embarked on road construction there.
Onuokaibe subsequently called on Enugu youths to support Mbah’s bid for another term in office, describing him as “the best man for the job.”
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Artistry Fort Limited Company, Chief Eze Chidera Jude, popularly known as Ubiego 1 of Enugu State, said young people in the state possess significant creative and entrepreneurial potential but require sustained training, mentorship and opportunities to translate their talents into productive ventures.
Jude said his own background did not prevent him from achieving his goals, attributing his progress to consistency and commitment to his vision.
He commended Mbah’s vision for the state, particularly initiatives targeted at young people, describing their potential impact as multigenerational.
The businessman also pledged to support the organisers of the Enugu Skill Fest by providing employment opportunities for some of the trainees in his company.
“I am committed to supporting the organisers by creating employment opportunities for some of their trainees in my company, because practical experience and employment are essential to sustainable youth development. I believe their skills can contribute to productivity and growth,” he said.
Jude further urged youths to embrace learning, mentorship and enterprise, while calling for support for Mbah’s re-election.
“The future of Enugu belongs to young people who are ready to learn, develop their talents, embrace mentorship and turn opportunities into meaningful enterprises. With the right support, training and determination, our youths can contribute significantly to economic growth, create employment opportunities and become active participants in the development of the state. We also need to come together to support Governor Mbah’s re-election, as it is the best way of advancing our state. I call on all to support Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah so as to make Enugu the best in Africa.”
In his remarks, YADI Executive Director, Comrade Timothy Nnamani, described the organisation as a youth-focused initiative involved in skills development, entrepreneurship, leadership development and youth empowerment.
Nnamani said the Enugu Skill Fest was part of YADI’s efforts to create opportunities for skilled and innovative young people in the state to develop their capacities and advance their economic prospects.
