By Gbolahan Salman
Imo State governorship aspirant of the Labour Party, Hon. Ifeanyi Thaddaus Ezeagu, has called on youths in the state and across Nigeria to reject political manipulation and demand accountability from their leaders.
Ezeagu made the call in a message to mark the International Youth Day, in which he described Nigerian youths as a vital force in shaping the country’s future.
He said young people should no longer be treated as “leaders of tomorrow,” stressing that they were already contributing to the development of the country.
“You are not the leaders of tomorrow—you are leaders today. Your energy, ideas, talents and determination are essential to building the Imo State we deserve and the Nigeria we desire,” he said.
The Labour Party aspirant said governments must move beyond political rhetoric on youth empowerment by providing quality education, employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, skills acquisition, technology, affordable healthcare and avenues for young people to participate in governance.
He expressed concern that many youths were being forced to abandon their dreams because of poverty and limited opportunities.
Ezeagu said he envisioned an Imo State where graduates could find opportunities to utilise their knowledge and entrepreneurs could establish and grow businesses without unnecessary obstacles.
He also urged youths to hold leaders accountable, warning them against allowing politicians to exploit their energy and support during elections only to neglect them after assuming office.
“Do not allow anyone to use your strength only during elections and forget you afterward. Demand accountability. Demand competence. Demand leaders who will listen to you, work with you and invest in your future,” he said.
Ezeagu further appealed to Nigerian youths to reject violence, division, drug abuse and political manipulation, urging them to embrace education, innovation, enterprise and responsible citizenship.
He said peaceful democratic participation remained essential to achieving meaningful change in the country.
“The future of Nigeria cannot be built by government alone. We must build it together,” he said.
According to him, his political vision is anchored on an Imo State where youths and women would be active partners in development rather than mere spectators.
“As a governorship aspirant under the platform of the Labour Party, I remain committed to a vision of an Imo State where youths and women are partners in development, not spectators; where talent is rewarded, hard work is respected, and opportunity is available to all,” he said.
Ezeagu challenged young people to believe in themselves, acquire knowledge, develop their talents, speak up on issues affecting them and participate actively in the democratic process.
He said, “The time has come for a new generation of leadership and a new culture of governance.”
He congratulated youths in Imo State and Nigeria on the occasion, describing them as the strength and future of the country.
