Remain advocates for peace – Gov Kefas tells Igbo youths in Taraba
“IYA INAUGURATES STATE OFFICIALS”
OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence among all citizens resident in the State.
Barr. Oleka takes oath of office.
In the same vein, Governor Kefas also advised Igbo youths across the State to continue to be advocates of peace and understanding.
Dr. Kefas, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps stated this while delivering a keynote address on the occasion of inauguration of new officials of Igbo Youths Association (IYA), Taraba State chapter.
In an event held at the Star Exclusive Hotel Jalingo Kataps, who was also represented by the Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Non indigenes Hon. (Mrs.) Blessing Onyekere enjoined Igbo youths across the State to work together so as to promote harmony among ethnic groups in the State.
Hon. (Mrs.) Blessing Onyekere, rep. Dr. Agbu Kefas.
Congratulating the newly inaugurated officials, the governor further said that they have been entrusted with great responsibility to lead, inspire, and foster the values of unity and cooperation among the youth.
“Your role is not just administrative, it is transformational. You are the torch bearers of hope and change, and I urge you to embrace this opportunity with passion and commitment”, he said.
The governor said it is through collaboration and dialogue that solutions were found during recent years that the State was faced with what was described as myriad of challenges.
He further pledged the state government’s commitment to supporting all initiatives that will uplift the youths and enhance their role in shaping the future of the state.
The newly inaugurated State officials of IYA are;
1. Barr. Maduakololam Oleka – President General
2. Mr. Okwudiri Onyekwere – Vice President
3. Mr. Ejike Egwu- Secretary General
4. Mr. Jude Nwachukwu – Assistant Secretary
5. Mr. Jacob Chijioke Vitalis – Treasurer
6. Mr. Osmond Eze – Financial Secretary.
7. Henry Azunna – PRO
8. Sen. Ike Emmanuel Odowueze – Welfare officer I
9. Mr. Obinna Agoro Welfare Officer II
10. Mr. Chibuzor Obiano Provost I
11. Mr. Chinedu Ocha – Provost II
Fmr. PG, Egwu & PG, Oleka at the event.
In a remark, Hon. Joseph Joshua, Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development congratulated the newly inaugurated officials of IYA and stressed the need for a continuous support and collaboration to the administration of Dr. Kefas to help him succeed.
Hon. Joshua further described the Igbos as peaceful and hardworking people, pointing out that they are development oriented.
He said Kefas recognized the peaceful coexistence, loyalty and hard work of the Igbos across the State hence the desire to honour them with seven (7) appointments as Special Advisers (SAs).
He urged the new officials of IYA to keep the flag flying as peace ambassadors of the Igbo nation.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated President General (PG), Igbo Youths Association (IYA), Taraba State chapter, Barrister Maduakolam Oleka expressed happiness over the event describing it as historic and memorial.
Historic and memorial because according to him, this is the first time the Igbo Youths from the five Igbo States of Enugu, Anambra Ebonyi, Imo and Abia came together to speak with one voice in Taraba State.
Handing & Taking over of IYA documents.
Barrister Oleka further explained that the main aim of the project was to reunite the divided Igbo community in Taraba State through the revived Igbo Youths Association.
He noted that Dr. Kefas has not only given the Igbos in Taraba State a peaceful playing ground to thrive in various enterprises but he has also broken the record on the number of Igbos’ involvement in governance of the State.
“To support the Kefas led administration is one of the primary aims and objectives of IYA”, he said.
He gave special appreciation to Chief Uche Obi, Chief Obi Chris and Hon. Sylvester Nwuche for their support and for making the programme a reality.
Like Oliver Twist, the PG solicited from Governor Kefas, a model Igbo Youths’ Hall that will serve as a centre of unity for all Igbo Youths in the state and a sound Bus that will assist the Association reach out to their brother associations across the local government areas of the State.
Speaking earlier, the Acting President General IYA, Mr. Chinedu Agwu said he assumed office as the Acting President General on the 10th day of December, 2024.
Some officials at the event
Agwu said the mandate was unanimously given to him to help revive the already comatose union of IYA in Taraba State which he stated, has been existing long ago but due to some unresolved internal issues, the union was forced into hibernation.
“I wholeheartedly accepted the position and immediately began to execute the tasks placed before me, which were mainly to unify the various Igbo states, conduct a credible and fair election, inaugurate the elected officials and hand over the official documents to them and step aside”,
“I’m glad to announce that the election was successfully held on the 13th day of December, 2024 and we are gathered here today to inaugurate them, hand over and finally step aside”,
Some officials at the event
“The Igbo Youths around the globe, according to the existing testimonies are industrious, God fearing, peace loving and of course, very liberal and accommodating”, he said.
While thanking the State governor for ensuring that the State remains peaceful for all residents to live and do their businesses, the acting PG charged all Igbo Youths in the State to continue to be law-abiding, shun bribery and corruption and other criminal vices that may dent the image of the Igbo nation in the State.
