By Mercy Adewunmi
In a surprising turn of events, approximately 4,000 youth groups in the South-East region have decided to pull out of a planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1. The decision comes after the positive intervention of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who is also serving as the Igbo peace envoy.
The Igbo Youths Progressive Forum (IYPF), representing the various youth groups, released a statement attributing their change of heart to Kalu’s peace-building efforts in the region. The groups commended Kalu for his dedication to promoting peace and development through diplomatic engagements and partnerships with leaders such as President Bola Tinubu.
According to the national president of IYPF, Comrade Nwafor Francis, Kalu’s vision for the South East focuses on collaboration and partnership with leaders at all levels, which has already shown promising results. The recent establishment of the South East Development Commission is cited as a significant milestone in the region’s progress, with the commission expected to address key issues such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure development.
“His efforts have already started bearing fruit with the establishment of the South East Development Commission. This commission is a masterstroke that will bring much-needed development to the region, and we are excited to be a part of it,” he said.
“The South East Development Commission is a testament to Deputy Speaker Kalu’s commitment to the region. The commission will provide opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure development, and social empowerment. It will also address the issues of poverty, unemployment, and inequality that have plagued our region for too long. “
The youth groups expressed their support for Kalu and denounced any attempts to disrupt the region’s development progress through protests. They also pledged to rally behind President Tinubu, who they believe has provided the South-East with a sense of belonging.
“As youths from the South East, we are behind Deputy Speaker Kalu and do not welcome protests that may hinder the progress of our region,” Francis added. “We believe that the President and this current administration mean well for the Southeast, and we are willing to work with them to achieve our goals.
“Deputy Speaker Kalu has shown that he is a true leader who listens to the needs of his people and works tirelessly to address them. He has emerged as a champion of the South-East region, showcasing exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to the development and progress of our people.
“As our peace envoy, he has worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and understanding, bridging gaps and fostering collaborations that have yielded remarkable results. Through his selfless service and inclusive approach, Kalu has become a shining example of effective leadership, inspiring a new generation of leaders and cementing his place as a hero of the South-East region.
“President Tinubu has also demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the development of the South-East. His open policy has given the region a sense of belonging, and his support for initiatives like the South East Development Commission has shown that he is dedicated to addressing the region’s unique challenges. By working closely with leaders like Kalu, Tinubu has ensured that the voices of the South-East are heard and valued, paving the way for a brighter future for the region.
“We, therefore, will continue to collaborate with the President, Deputy Speaker Kalu and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the South East Development Commission. We urge all youths in the region to join us in this journey towards peace and prosperity. Together, we can achieve great things and make our region a better place for all.”
Francis emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving the region’s goals, highlighting Kalu as a true leader who listens to the needs of his people and works tirelessly to address them. The Deputy Speaker’s efforts as a peace envoy have been lauded for promoting understanding and fostering collaborations that benefit the South-East community.
The youth groups therefore, urged their fellow youths to join them in supporting the South East Development Commission and working towards a brighter future for the region. They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with leaders like Kalu and Tinubu to ensure the success of developmental initiatives in the South-East.
