The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to enforce the provisions of the National Youth Policy by ensuring that only persons between the ages of 18 and 35 benefit from youth development programmes, appointments and empowerment initiatives in the state.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Dunukofia Constituency, Hon. Chuks Azotani, and co-sponsored by 16 lawmakers during plenary.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Azotani expressed concern over what he described as the growing participation of individuals above the statutory youth age limit in programmes specifically designed for young people.
He argued that the trend deprives eligible youths of opportunities for empowerment, leadership development, entrepreneurship and economic advancement, while also undermining transparency, fairness and the objectives of government youth policies.
Several lawmakers, including Hon. Mimi Azikiwe, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, Hon. Noble Igwe, Hon. Emma Nwafor and the Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, supported the motion and called for greater accountability in the implementation of youth-focused programmes.
The lawmakers also advocated the digitisation of the beneficiary selection process to improve transparency and ensure that only qualified youths within the approved age bracket benefit from government interventions.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, encouraged members to continue promoting youth participation in developmental programmes across their constituencies, stressing that empowering young people is essential for the state’s long-term growth and socio-economic development.
Following a voice vote, the House unanimously adopted the motion and urged Governor Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports to strictly enforce the 18 to 35 years age limit stipulated in the National Youth Policy for all youth-related programmes and initiatives in Anambra State.
