r
Deputy Governor of Imo State, Gerald Irona has called on youth of the state to shun cultism and all forms of criminality, even as he urged them to embrace responsible life styles.
Irona who gave the advise while receiving a delegation of about one hundred youth of the state, under the aegis of Council of Imo Youths on a courtesy visit to him in his office on Tuesday, also described the Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha as youth friendly.
He further described the Governor as a selfless leader, committed to partnering with critical stakeholders on the development of the state.
“We want Imo to be a reservoir of technical manpower. We are working on a databank of qualified technicians in Imo. We will challenge companies in Imo State to employ our people, as there will no longer be the excuse of absence of qualified manpower.
“We will be partnering with you on the rehabilitation of some of our youth that may have gone astray. We want a safe Imo where investors will come and be comfortable. We are rolling out programmes to enhance the capacity of our youth.
“We are interested in rehabilitating young Imo sons and daughters that have genuinely repented from criminal acts, as long as they will never return to crime. You must be good ambassadors of your families and the state. You must shun cultism and all other vices.”
“The greatest asset you can have in leadership is having a leader that is selfless. Governor Emeka Ihedioha is a selfless leader, who has no business with nepotism. Imo State is lucky to have him.”
Continuing, Irona challenged the youth to hold their leaders accountable, in order to ensure that public resources are utilized for the good of the people.
“Hold us accountable. Participate in the business of governance at all levels in the state. We are ready to partner with you to move the state forward.”
Earlier in his presentation, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Affairs, Rex Okoro described Irona as a dependable leader and true friend of the youths.
He assured him of the commitment of youths of the state to the Rebuild Imo agenda of Governor Ihedioha.
Present at the meeting were Students Union Presidents and Executives of all Tertiary institutions in the state, leadership of the National Association of Imo State Students-NAISS, youth leaders from different parts of the state, among others.