Alor: Igwe Okonkwo applauds Soludo, Youth Devt Ministry for youth election success

The traditional ruler of Alor Kingdom, Igwe Mac-Anthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, has applauded the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for the success of the just concluded youth elections in Alor.

The elated traditional ruler who noted that the governor initiated the statewide town youth election added that the initiative did not only bring governance closer to the grassroots but also encouraged youths to become more engaged in daily governmental activities, as well as fostering a democratic spirit among them.

In a statement credited to the Monarch and made available to CAPITAL POST on Wednesday, Igwe Mac-Anthony also thanked the Ministry of Youth Development for their pivotal role in the recently concluded Alor Youth President General elections.

While expressing his appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mbah, he acknowledged the Ministry’s significant contribution, particularly in nominating the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Dr. Martin Agbili, to chair the electoral committee that conducted the successful Alor youth election.

Igwe Okonkwo emphasized the Ministry’s responsibility as a supervisory body of the state government, overseeing the affairs of apex youth organizations in Anambra State.

The traditional ruler praised the Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU) Youth for their support and insistence on elected leadership for community youths.

He said ASATU Youth, which is the umbrella body managing the affairs of 179 community youth organizations in Anambra State, provided the necessary framework for the elections, saying that it mandated all the communities to conduct youth elections to establish elected leadership for the youth wing of their town unions.

Igwe Okonkwo also commended Comrade Ken Okoli, the President General of ASATU Youth, for his leadership role and unreserved support.

In a post election interview, a consultant with the World Bank and Delta State government, Engr. Prince Ifedi Okonkwo, stated, “What has just happened in ALOR is a REVOLUTION for Positive Change, and I commend the YOUTHS of ALOR for being the Catalysts for the much-desired Peace & Progress of ALOR!!”

“The good people of Alor remain grateful to the Electoral Committee for courageously adopting Option A4 and diligently upholding transparency and fairness in the process to achieve an indisputable outcome”.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Alor Peoples Convention, Chief M.C. Udoagwa remarked, “Congratulations to the new leadership of Alor Youth. I witnessed the election and can affirm that it was free, fair, and credible”.

The Alor youth election took place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Mary’s Parish Field, with a remarkable turnout of young individuals eager to exercise their democratic rights. A total of six hundred and twenty-eight (628) youths cast their votes for their preferred candidates across nine positions.

The newly elected Youth President General, Comrade Okezie Akubueze, declared that his victory marked the end of the divisive rhetoric of 95% against 5%.

In his inaugural speech, Comrade Akubueze emphasized that all residents are united as Ndi-Alor, regardless of their background.

He promised to run an open and transparent administration, committed to fulfilling his campaign promises of closing divides and bringing unity, love, and empowerment to every Alorite, especially the youths.

Other elected officials alongside the Youth PG include:

Chukwudi Okoye, Vice President; Ubabunike Emecheta, Secretary; Oyudo Chijioke, Assistant Secretary; Nweke Anayo, Treasurer; Okoye Nonso, Publicity Secretary; Nwolisa Chimezie, Financial Secretary;
Ojukwu Ikechukwu, Welfare Officer and Afuzo Kenechukwu, Provost.

The successful conduct of the Alor youth election is seen as a significant milestone for the community, symbolizing renewed hope and a unified vision for the future. It underscores the power and pivotal role of youth in driving change and sets a positive precedent for future elections and governance in Alor.

In his remarks, a media consultant and member of the Alor Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Rev. Innocent Chukwudi Peace, noted, “The victory in this election is more than just a political triumph; it is a significant milestone for the entire Alor community.

“It symbolizes renewed hope and a unified vision for the future. The overwhelming support for Comrade Okezie Akubueze and his team demonstrates the collective desire of the youth to actively participate in shaping their community’s destiny.”

“This election has shown that the voices of the youth are powerful and pivotal in driving change. With the newly elected leadership, there is a strong expectation that Alor will experience increased peace, progress, and unity. The commitment of the youth to uphold transparency and fairness sets a positive precedent for future elections and governance.

“Overall, this election victory heralds a new era for Alor, where collaboration and collective effort will pave the way for sustainable development and prosperity. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Alor people and their unwavering dedication to building a better future for their community”, he said.