WRITTEN BY GORDI UDEAJAH.
Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Lux Mundi University, the first ever university in Umuahia Ibeku, the Abia State capital, Sir. Professor Barrister Gabriel O. C. Okenwa, KSS, OFR, has posited that the future of any community is largely determined by the quality, discipline, and productivity of its youth.
He said so in the Keynote address he presented at the 12th Bi-Annual Conference of the Ibeku Youth Association held at Umuajiji Isieke Ibeku in Umuahia North Council, in which he called upon the Youths to embrace Unity, Peace, Discipline and hard work in order to guarantee their success and development in life.
His address which was titled
“Harnessing Peace, Unity, Discipline and Productive Enterprise for sustainable Youth Development in Ibeku land”, was read on his behalf by Mr. Christopher Chinemeze Okenwa,.
The paper examined the critical role of unity, peace, hard work, ethical leadership, and economic engagement, particularly in agriculture, would play towards repositioning Ibeku youths for sustainable development.
While highlighting the responsibilities of community stakeholders in supporting youth programs, he strongly advised the youths against drug abuse describing drug abuse as a threat to personal, social, and economic progress in any community.
Professor Okenwa renewed call for a partnership between youths and stakeholders that should be anchored on respect, shared vision, and service-oriented leadership.
Pro-Chancellor Okenwa, who recalled that his Founded Lux Mundi University, located in Ibeku Umuahia ( within Abia state capital) , awarded scholarships to some indigenes of Abia State , particularly all the clans in Umuahia that included sons and daughters of Ibeku Clan.
National President of Ibeku Youth Association, Chief Chiedozie Martins Nwosu, during the conference, presented a scorecard of the Association, on behalf of the Executives, thanking all in attendance for their support and participation.
The well attended 12th Ibeku Youth Association bi-annual conference that had the revered Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom, High Chief Uche Akwukwuegbu, who is the Executive Chairman, Bawas Group of Companies, as Chairman.
While the former Abia state first Lady, Her Excellency, Chief Mercy Odochi Orji, the Osinulomaranma 1 of Ibeku, was the Special Guest of Honour, the Spiritual Father of the Conference, was the Archbishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo Rapheal Opoko,
Other top dignitaries of Ibeku land that participated in the conference were notable traditional rulers, including His Imperial Majesty, Eze Samuel Iheonye Onuoha, the Ogurube 4 of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom, who was the Royal Father of the day.
