By Michael Ovat
Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Majority Leader of the Anambra West Local Government Legislative Council, Hon. Okonkwo Ndubuisi Odili, has challenged youths in Anambra West and across Anambra State to move beyond political apathy and take an active role in the political process, saying their proximity to power is essential to shaping decisions that will determine their future.
Odili, who represents Umuoba Anam Ward in the local government legislature, made the call during a special podcast programme organised by the Umuezeanya Youth Association.
The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as the low level of youth participation in elections and civic activities, noting that the trend had contributed to the area’s weak voting strength during elections.
According to him, increasing youth participation in politics was one of the priorities he identified during his campaign because of its implications for the political influence and development of the area.
“I made this one of my campaign agenda because I understand the great disadvantage our area is having because most of our youths shy away from political activities. The result is that in most elections, our voting strength is low,” Odili said.
He, however, urged youths to participate in politics responsibly and reject election violence, political thuggery and other social vices.
“My advice to the youth of Anambra West and Anambra State in general is not to allow themselves to be used for election violence. They should be law-abiding while they dedicate more time to their respective businesses or careers and politics because they are the leaders of tomorrow and must be close to power so they can be able to lead tomorrow,” he said.
Odili also highlighted some of his legislative interventions, including motions seeking the grading of the Umuoba Abegbu waterside road and the sand-filling of the Umuoba Abegbu–Mmiata Anam bypass after the road became impassable.
He said he also raised a motion for the sand-filling of the Iyiora Anam–Ebenebe Road and facilitated the inclusion of residents of Umuoba Abegbu and Iyiora Anam in the Anambra West Local Government farmers’ empowerment programme.
The legislator further disclosed that he facilitated the provision of 100 streetlight panels and poles for installation in Umuoba Abegbu and Iyiora Anam, while also attracting a solar-powered borehole to Umuoba Abegbu.
On community security and social order, Odili said he sponsored a Bill seeking to control and regulate masquerade activities in Anambra West. The Bill, which has passed second reading, is aimed at addressing avoidable inter-community conflicts associated with masquerade-related clashes.
The Chairman of Umuezeanya Youth Association, Amb. Olisemeka Obeche, commended Odili for what he described as his commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots development, urging the lawmaker to sustain his legislative efforts.
“We are delighted to have such a young, astute political leader who has placed the youth at the centre of his legislative agenda,” Obeche said.
He also expressed the association’s readiness to partner with Odili, relevant government agencies and non-governmental organisations to promote human capital development among youths in the area.
According to Obeche, stronger collaboration among youth organisations, elected representatives and development institutions would help create more opportunities for young people to become economically productive and actively contribute to community development.
The programme anchor, Mr. Osita Nneke, and the producer, Mr. Augustine Okafor, also commended the lawmaker for what they described as his people-oriented legislative agenda and urged him to sustain the efforts.
The podcast provided a platform for youths and residents to engage directly with the lawmaker on political participation, grassroots development and other issues affecting their communities.
