South East youths have declared their condition to work for and/or support the re-election of public office holders seeking return, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They also said that for fresh seekers of elective offices, their verifiable disposition towards youth welfare, engagement, or employment will be part of the yardsticks to support them.
The youths maintained that the time was over when they were used as thugs, drum beaters, election riggers, and ballot box snatchers, among others, for politicians.
This was the stand of the youths, made known during the inauguration and empowerment of the Abia State Chapter of the South East Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) in Umuahia, Abia State, by the National Coordinator, Hon. Belusochukwu Enwere. It was themed “Empower the Grassroots.”The event also featured the inauguration of the executives of the state’s 17 LGA RHA chapters and the empowerment of members with rice, various items, and equipment that would enable them to engage in businesses. The items included motorcycles, grinding, hairdressing, and sewing machines.
In addition, while 100, 200, and 300 beneficiaries received ₦200,000.00, ₦100,000.00, and ₦50,000.00 each respectively in support of their businesses, 500 indigent families received ₦20,000.00 each.
The RHA Coordinator noted, however, that some serving elected public officers have effected policies and are effecting programmes that have engaged/empowered citizens in direct or self-employment.
Speaking on condition of anonymity with The Guardian on the sideline, a member of RHA opined that President Tinubu of the APC and Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti of the Labour Party have touched the hearts of the citizens, including the youths, through their various programmes and established institutions.
In his welcome address, the host Abia State Chapter Chairman, Mr. Uche Hilary-Adibe, said that the gathering marked the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s journey towards progress, unity, and development, adding: “The RHA initiative embodies our collective aspiration for a brighter future, a better Nigeria.”
The National Coordinator (Enwere), in his address, said that the ceremony was to tell President Tinubu that “due to what he has done, we shall support his re-election,” describing the RHA as the platform to explain same to the citizens.
“We gather today as a collective voice, united in our determination to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. We believe in his vision, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to building a brighter future for our great nation using a bottom-to-top approach that favours the youths.”
He said that President Tinubu’s leadership has implemented bold reforms, driven economic growth, improved infrastructure, enhanced the ease of doing business, fostered unity and inclusivity, promoted national cohesion, empowered marginalized communities, ensured equal opportunities for all, and invested in human capital by enhancing education, healthcare, and skills development to equip Nigerians for the challenges of the 21st century.
Adding that RHA is built on the foundation of President Tinubu’s proven track record, he expressed optimism that he will sustain economic growth driven by innovative policies, investments in infrastructure, security through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and effective law enforcement. He also mentioned education and healthcare as top priorities, with increased investments in education, especially NELFund, hospitals, and social services.
He consequently urged South Easterners and Nigerians to join the RHA and accordingly mobilize their communities, engage with friends, family, and neighbors, share the message of hope and renewal, and volunteer to support the campaign, participate in events, and contribute to the cause.
