The President of One Youth Global, Mr. UcheChukwu Agbo, has said that rising insecurity in Nigeria prevented participants from some African countries from attending the Spark Nation 3.0 programme held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the flag-off of the programme at the permanent site of Ebonyi State University on Monday, Agbo lamented the worsening security situation in the country, describing it as a major concern that discouraged parents from allowing their children to travel to Nigeria for the event.

Speaking on the theme, “Raising Change Makers Across Africa,” Agbo said Spark Nation is designed to nurture a new generation of leaders who understand that enterprise development and problem-solving are at the heart of effective leadership.
“We have 192 schools from across West and Central Africa registered for Spark Nation 3.0. As a matter of fact, we received entries from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Chad, Liberia and other nations across West and Central Africa,” he said.
“But at the end of the day, due to the fear arising from the spate of insecurity in Nigeria, some parents could not allow their children to attend the championship. The students wanted to come, but their parents were unwilling to expose them to such risks.”

According to him, the prevailing insecurity underscores the need for initiatives such as Spark Nation.
“Africa is asking many questions of its leaders, and one of those questions is insecurity,” he said.
Agbo disclosed that the organisation is committed to raising a new generation of leaders, promoting economic freedom across Africa and unlocking the potential of young people, particularly in Nigeria.

The programme featured a leadership boot camp, debate and quiz competitions involving students selected from more than 10 African countries.
He explained that Spark Nation 3.0 was designed for secondary school students and is expected to impact 250 schools, over 3,000 students and 660 teachers, while increasing access to formal education for 560 African youths.
“Over the past few years, Africa has faced numerous challenges, and indeed it has done so since independence. A generation fought and won political independence for Africa. Now, another generation must free Africa from economic shackles. Ours is that generation.

“Our target is to develop a new generation of young leaders across Africa who will ensure that no part of the continent becomes unsafe for people to visit because they fear for their lives.
“I believe that security is a fundamental human right, and nobody should have to live in fear or be denied the basic right to life within their communities.
“We want to raise a generation of problem-solvers across Africa who will confront and overcome insecurity on the continent,” he stressed.

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving education, combating social vices and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, the governor urged participants to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in future elections.
“My administration has deliberately created opportunities for youth participation. We are investing in infrastructure that connects farm produce to markets, while also providing skills acquisition and entrepreneurship funding to support young people’s ideas.

“There is also governance inclusion through the appointment of youths into boards and government agencies. But a platform is meaningless if you refuse to stand on it.
“So, I ask you not politely, but politically: Are you registered? Do you have your PVC? Are you active in political party structures, and not just on Twitter, Instagram and Meta? Are you preparing to contest elections in 2027, 2031 and 2035?”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba, urged participants to minimise social media distractions and focus on developing practical solutions to Africa’s numerous challenges.

“The only way to build the youth is to pull them away from social media distractions and create an environment where they can concentrate on learning, innovation and building their future,” he said.
Also speaking was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Michael Aja Nwachukwu, who commended One Youth Global for championing solutions to Africa’s challenges, particularly insecurity.
According to him, “Insecurity remains a major issue, and everyone is aware of it. I recently met with the House of Representatives Committee on Security, where we extensively discussed the nation’s security challenges, including our porous borders.

“The level of insurgency is alarming. It is everywhere. Nigeria has become synonymous with insecurity.
“Insecurity affects everyone, including teachers. Members of their families have been kidnapped, while some have died in captivity. Nigerians are now looking for alternative solutions.
“We have been abandoned by the government, even though protecting lives and property is its constitutional responsibility. Since we cannot continue waiting indefinitely, communities are beginning to protect themselves.

“We are now hearing discussions about state police. I hope it becomes a practical solution. If it does, it will be a welcome development.”
The event attracted several distinguished personalities, including renowned novelist and literary scholar Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Nnamdi Okezie, Chinedu Ugbah and many others.