…Urges Youths to Innovate and Lead
By Iheanyi Enwerem
The Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) has called on youths to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and responsible leadership as pathways to sustainable development.
The Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, made the call at a one-day International Youth Day Summit organised by the Commission in Owerri to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.
The summit, held at Rockview Hotel under the theme, “Empowering Youths for Sustainable Development: Innovate, Lead and Transform,” brought together young people, government officials, entrepreneurs, development practitioners, technology experts and other stakeholders.
Onyedebelu said young people should not be seen merely as beneficiaries of government interventions but as critical partners and drivers of economic and social transformation.
He urged youths, particularly those from oil-producing communities, to take advantage of empowerment programmes and other opportunities provided by the government, while embracing continuous learning, creativity, entrepreneurship and responsible leadership.
The ISOPADEC boss also commended the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for what he described as his unwavering commitment to youth development and empowerment.
According to him, the Uzodimma administration has demonstrated through its policies and programmes that youth development remains a priority, citing investments in skills acquisition, digital economy, entrepreneurship and education.
He said ISOPADEC’s youth-focused interventions were aligned with the broader vision of the state government to build a prosperous and inclusive Imo State where young people are equipped with relevant skills to contribute meaningfully to economic development.
Onyedebelu reiterated ISOPADEC’s commitment to placing youth development at the centre of its intervention programmes, particularly in the state’s oil-producing communities.
He congratulated young people on the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day, urging them to see themselves as agents of change, innovators and builders of a better future.
A major highlight of the summit was a high-level panel discussion on employment, entrepreneurship, digital skills, financial inclusion, technology, leadership development and emerging opportunities for young Nigerians.
The panel featured Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact; former Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Silas Ali Agara, Director-General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE); Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Credicorp; Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Imo State; and Dr. Emeka M. Ukaegbu, Commissioner for Youth Development, Imo State.
The session was moderated by Ndidi Anike Val-Okeoma, Esq.
The participation of senior government officials and private-sector leaders, Onyedebelu said, underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government, industry and young people to tackle unemployment, bridge the digital skills gap and create sustainable economic opportunities.
In a press release made available to IKoro Okigwe through the Media Aide to the Office of the Managing Director, Chinonso Ukwuoma, the ISOPADEC boss said the Commission would continue to invest in programmes that empower youths to learn, create, lead and transform their communities.