A group known as South East Youth Assembly of Nigeria (SEYAN) has pledged to ensure that the yearnings, aspirations and demands of young persons from the South East Zone of Nigeria are properly addressed, pledging to direct those demands to the appropriate authorities.
Speaking in Awka, the newly elected Speaker of the Assembly, Simon Felix Ijegalu, who also represents Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency of Enugu State in the Assembly, called for support and cooperation of young people so that they can rightly channel their demands, using the right approach.
Felix, speaking shortly after the election, also informed that SEYAN was modeled after the Nigerian parliamentary system – House of representatives which comprises 43 members representing their respective constituencies within the South East geo-political zone created to strengthen, reinforce and consolidate efforts in empowering young people through meaningful youth representation in driving South East development.
“The youth Assembly sits and deliberate on matters of national importance as it affects youth development”.
“Resolution reached are passed as voted and passed to the head of both chambers of National Assembly and the president, through the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sport Development for consideration”.
He maintained that the activities of the parliament shall include, but not limited to, protecting the interest of youths, particularly within the South East and contributing to the progress, peace and development of the region through constructive deliberations, policy formulations, leadership training, career building, skill acquisition and youth Investment and empowerment.
“The South East Youth Assembly is created in compliance with the United Nations Charter on youth development and in pursuant to resolution of the Commonwealth Head of Government meeting in the Republican of Malta (2005) as a platform through which their voices could be heard on government policies that affect them directly. The resolution seeks the acceptance and compliance of all member state to establish, maintain and fund a functional youth parliament” he said.
The election which was held in Awka, Anambra State, saw the emergence of Simon Felix Ijegalu as speaker of SEYAN representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal constituency, Enugu State, while Johnkingsly Chukwuebuka Oyeh, from Orumba North/ South Federal Constituency, Anambra State, was elected the Deputy Speaker.
Other elected principle officers included
Ndive Julius Nnamdi – Anambra East/West Federal constituency, Anambra State Majority leader, Nicholas OdozorIgbo Etiti/ Uzo- Uwani federal Constituency, Enugu State, Deputy Majority leader, Agbom Sunday –
Ezza North/Ishiellu Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State – Minority leader.
Abaegbu Nnamdi Bende, Abia State – Deputy ,Minority Leader, David Uzoma Andrew – Oguta Ohaji Egbema and Oru West Federal Constituency, Imo State – Chief Whip, Nwambe Richard – Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State – Deputy Chief Whip and Chinturu Ikonne C. Dollar
Obingwa Ugwunagbo/Osisoma Federal Constituency, Abia State Female Leader.
In her remarks, the female leader, Chinturu Ikonne Dollar, said she would use her office to eradicate all forms of stigmatization against the girlchild and encourage more female participation in politics.
Similarly, The Majority Leader of SEYAN, Engr. Julius Ndive Nnamdi, representing Anambra East/West Federal Constituency, Anambra State, said he would ensure that the voice of south east youth would be heard at the federal level especially in his own constituency.
Lending his voice on the upcoming 2023 Presidential election, Ndive affirmed that
Ndi Igbo are ready to take up the mantle of leadership as they are more than qualified academically, physically, economically and socially to lead.
The objective of the Assembly is to present ideas and formulate individual and collective strategies and actions that address regional challenges of underdevelopment, marginalization, exclusion of youth in policy formulation and implementation.
Also, engaging of youth for self-reliance, good governance at all levels, sustained economic development through peaceful dialogue and peace building, partnership with government at all level for youth empowerment.
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