By Sebastine Okafor

Youths in Enugu State and bu extension, Nigeria, have been enjoined to prioritize hard work, sincerity, and seriousness in all they do as they are essential for building a good life and contributing to the development of the state.

The Traditional Ruler, Edem-Ani Autonomous Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, and also the Chairman Designate of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Sir Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, made this call on Thursday when the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Enugu State chapter, led by Comrade Chukwuebuka Bartholomew Okoh, paid him a courtesy call at his palace

He stated that there is a challenge of laxity and focus facing youths from this part of the world, which requires hard work and sincerity to overcome.

He posited that the issue of get-rich-quick syndrome should be jettisoned by youths who want to make it in life as it is dangerous to building an effective and functional society.

“I am very pleased to have you all here because it gives me joy to address the youths.”

“As someone who started from nothing, it is very important to guide the youths of this generation on the importance of prioritizing hard work, sincerity, and seriousness in all they do, so as to achieve something in life.”

“It is very important for any young person who wants to be successful to imbibe self-discipline and jettison the attitude of dishonesty encased with godliness so as to attract the blessings of God.”

“Get-rich-quick syndrome is a call to early death as financial independence has its rules and regulations which must be followed before it is actualized.”

The Monarch narrated how poor he was and how he built his life from nothing following all the principles of life to get to where he is, thus urging all to be focused on what they do, imbibe honesty, and see the economic transformation that will follow suit as there is dignity in labor.

“I came from a very poor background, but that did not limit my willingness to make it in life.”

“Though it was when people were busy traveling abroad to peddle drugs and get involved in illicit activities, some of us refused, and today, we are better than those who indulged in those nefarious means to make money as many have died while some are in prison.”

“During our time, the country was as bad as it is today, but I left for America and was determined to make it in life using legal means and to God be the glory, God has been blessing us.”

“Hardship is not a reason to be idle or to engage in crimes, so the type of choice that a young person makes is what will guide his future.”

Igwe Asadu, who also assumed office as the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani on December 27th, 2022, also called on the leadership of the council to make their mark on the welfare of youths by channeling their attention to youth development.

He also advised the council to look into the affairs of some youths who are in detention centers or prisons over offenses they know nothing about as that impedes their growth and calls more harm to them as well as their family.

In his remarks, the chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Enugu state chapter, Comrade Chukwuebuka Bartholomew Okoh, said the visit is to thank the traditional ruler for his enormous and innumerable show of benevolence towards humanity, especially the youths.

He stated that the news about his empowering of over ₦63 million Naira to 63 youths of his town to better their lives and that of others.

Comrade Okoh posited that the visit was to congratulate the traditional ruler on his emergence as the chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers and also to confer him the title as one the patrons of the organization from Enugu North Senatorial District.

“We are here to thank you for all that you have done, doing, and will continue to do for the betterment of humanity.”

“Igwe, we are aware that you sent 8 first-class graduates from your community abroad to further their studies with 4 more almost ready to leave in the next few months, not just abroad but in the United States of America and the United Kingdom.”

“Igwe, on the second of February, 2024, you gave 63 youths a sum of 1 million Naira to invest in businesses and better their lives.”

“All these are just a few of the numerous activities which you have done to help humanity, and we are here to commend you.”

“Igwe, your good work also attracted your appointment as the chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, making you the Royal Father of the State.”

“National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Enugu state chapter is aware of all these, and we want to say thank you very much.”

“We have chosen you as one of our patrons to be a good father to us, and we know that with your guidance, Enugu youths will be better.”

Speaking on the importance of development, he called on well-to-do citizens of Enugu State to prioritize the interest of the youths as that guarantees a safe transition from this generation to another.

“I call upon all the well-to-do citizens of the state to make youth development a priority in all they do as that will guarantee a smooth generational transformation.”

Highlights of the event included the presentation of a certificate of appointment as one of the patrons of NYCN, Enugu State Chapter.

Some of the Enugu State leadership of NYCN present includes: The Vice Chairman West, Miss Isamade Anita; Secretary, Comrade Ossai Johnson; Treasurer, Comrade Udeh Goodness; Comrade Ikechukwu Emmanuel; Comrade Onah Joseph Onyemaechi (JP); Comrade Utazi Blessing; Comrade Jonathan Ogbu Chukwuemeka and Comrade Kenneth Ezeh (Jacksolo Jr).