Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering young people and ensuring their active participation in policymaking and decision-making processes across the state.
Governor Mbah stated this at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, during the 2026 Enugu State Youth Conference organised to commemorate International Youth Day, with the theme, “Youth in Policymaking: A Shared Responsibility.”
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor said his administration remained committed to harnessing the creativity, energy and potential of young people for the development of the state.
Mbah expressed satisfaction with the contributions of young people serving in his administration, noting that they had played significant roles in advancing the state’s development agenda.
He encouraged youths to channel their talents and abilities into meaningful and productive ventures that would promote personal growth while contributing to the economic and social development of Enugu State.
The governor specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Water Resources, Ben Collins Ndu Jr.; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu; Commissioner for Power and Solid Minerals, Franklin Ogbonna; and Senior Special Assistant on Revenue Mobilisation, Adenike Adesina.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, urged young people to actively participate in programmes and initiatives capable of driving development across the state.
Ekweremadu commended Governor Mbah for prioritising youth welfare and development, while also recognising the efforts of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Students, Prisca Okeke, in promoting opportunities for young people.
He urged youths to contribute meaningfully to public discourse, participate in policymaking and use their talents positively for the advancement of Enugu State.
In her welcome address, Prisca Okeke thanked Governor Mbah for supporting the conference and for creating an environment she said would enable young people to become more creative, innovative and productive.
Okeke urged Enugu youths to move beyond complaints and take an active role in shaping policies that affect their lives and communities.
She also encouraged young people to acquire relevant knowledge and skills, support one another and take advantage of available government opportunities.
A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of prizes to winners of the 2026 Enugu State Youth Business Pitch competition.
Ugochi Nwonye of Eco-Cycler emerged winner and received N1 million, while Jessica Dinwoke of Edu-Play came second with N500,000. Emmanuel Ezeh of Cyber Switch emerged third and received N300,000.
Ten finalists also presented their business ideas before a judging panel, while four young entrepreneurs received ovens to support and expand their businesses.
The beneficiaries, including a physically challenged entrepreneur, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the support, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen their businesses.
The conference brought together government officials, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, students and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening youth participation in governance and promoting sustainable development in Enugu State.
