By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Government has directed youth organisations across the state to ensure that their membership and leadership structures comply with the prescribed age bracket of 18 to 35 years from January 1, 2027, warning that non-compliant organisations will no longer be recognised by the government.
The directive, which was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, is intended to ensure that leadership positions and opportunities created specifically for young people are occupied by youths who fall within the stipulated age range.
Omenugha, in the statement dated October 15, said the government would begin strict enforcement of the age limit across youth development programmes, youth organisations and leadership structures designated for young people from the beginning of next year.
He said the affected organisations, associations and relevant institutions had been given the transition period to review their membership, leadership arrangements and operational guidelines in preparation for the January 1 deadline.
According to Omenugha, the Ministry of Youth Development and other relevant government agencies will cease to recognise youth organisations that fail to comply with the prescribed age bracket once enforcement begins.
He explained that the policy formed part of the youth reformation agenda of the Soludo administration, which seeks to promote discipline, productivity, responsibility and positive values among young people while creating opportunities for emerging leaders to develop their capacities.
The governor’s aide, however, clarified that the directive was not intended to prevent people above 35 from contributing to youth development or sharing their experience with younger people.
Rather, he said, the policy was designed to protect opportunities specifically reserved for youths and ensure that eligible young people have the space to participate in leadership, take responsibility and gain experience in managing organisations.
Omenugha acknowledged the importance of mentorship and cooperation between generations, noting that older citizens could continue to support youth organisations through guidance, advice and other forms of assistance without occupying positions reserved for those within the prescribed age bracket.
He urged leaders of youth associations, community organisations and other relevant groups to use the remaining period to make the necessary adjustments rather than wait until the enforcement date.
The Special Adviser said the government expected the policy to strengthen youth participation and accountability while advancing its vision of a new generation of Ndi Anambra defined by responsibility, discipline and purposeful leadership.
He called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the government in implementing the directive, stressing that the objective was to ensure that youth-focused programmes and leadership opportunities reached the people for whom they were established.
