Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South senatorial district, has pointed to a loss of fundamental values among the youth as a key factor behind the increasing insecurity in the South East.
According to PUNCH, addressing attendees at the South East Youth Leadership Development and Value Reorientation Summit held in Enugu on Friday, Abaribe stressed the urgent need to restore traditional values such as respect for human life, love, and unity.
The senator highlighted that the erosion of these values has left young people vulnerable to criminal exploitation, leading to the region’s growing instability. He advocated for the revival of trade schools and certification programs to provide young people with vocational skills and financial support.
“We must go back to those values upon which our communities were built—love, unity, truthfulness, and respect for human life—if we are to secure the future we desire,” Abaribe stated.
Abaribe urged the youth to reject involvement in criminal activities disguised as movements for self-actualization. “As young people, you must understand your values and not be recruited as tools for destruction. We are concerned about the youths of today who must understand that the future is theirs,” he emphasized.
Senator Uche Ekwunife, Director-General of the South-East Governors Forum and the summit's convener, also addressed the participants. She underscored the importance of empowering the youth to drive regional and national development.
Ekwunife encouraged the youth to emulate past leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alex Ekwueme, and Dora Akunyili, who played pivotal roles in the region’s history.
“Our goal is to let the youths know that they can become the next generation of responsible leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alex Ekwueme, and Dora Akunyili,” Ekwunife said. She called on the participants to harness their talents and skills to bring about positive change in their communities and the wider South East region.
The summit concluded with a strong message of hope and a call to action for the youth to lead efforts in rebuilding the region's security and prosperity.