By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, has called on citizens —especially the youth — to align with the transformative vision of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration, which he described as a trailblazer of modern democratic governance and disciplined leadership.
The Commissioner made the call in his 2025 Democracy Day message issued in Awka on Wednesday, in which he described democracy as not merely a system of government, but a call to collective responsibility, shared values, and active citizenship. According to him, true democracy thrives when the people embrace law and order, unity, discipline, and civic engagement — values he said Governor Soludo has consistently championed in his bid to build a livable and prosperous homeland.
Further speaking in an interview with this reporter, Mr. Agha Mba, who hailed the sacrifices made by past heroes of democracy in Nigeria, also noted that the current administration in Anambra has reinvigorated the meaning of democracy through inclusive governance, youth engagement, and a development-focused agenda anchored on the “Solution” vision. He emphasized that the Soludo government is not only about promises but about measurable actions that are reshaping the state across all key sectors.
“On this Democracy Day, we honor the voices that fought for freedom and those that still echo with courage,” he said.
“But more importantly, we must all align with the progressive and people-oriented vision of Mr. Governor. Democracy demands our active participation, respect for law and order, and commitment to collective progress,” he urged.
The Commissioner stressed that Governor Soludo’s emphasis on rule of law, transparency, innovation, and people-first policies are the cornerstones of sustainable development and democratic consolidation. According to him, the ongoing reforms in youth empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and digital transformation are all clear pointers to what democracy can deliver when leadership is anchored on service, discipline, and integrity.
Mr. Agha Mba further emphasized the role of young people in nation-building, urging them to rise above apathy and embrace their civic duties with passion and purpose. He added that the Ministry of Youth Development under his leadership is committed to nurturing the next generation of responsible, innovative, and patriotic leaders who will uphold and expand the democratic ideals Anambra is currently enjoying.
“This is not a time to sit on the fence,” he charged, adding that “Whether you are a student, an artisan, a young entrepreneur, or a civil servant, your contribution counts. We must all key into this shared vision of discipline, unity, and innovation. The New Anambra is not a slogan; it is a work in progress, and we are all co-builders.”
While wishing Ndi Anambra and Nigerians a happy and reflective Democracy Day, the Commissioner urged everyone to continue supporting the Soludo-led government, assuring that the dividends of democracy would continue to spread more tangibly across communities, sectors, and social strata.
He also used the opportunity to remind the youth that beyond street celebrations, Democracy Day should be a time of sober reflection and recommitment to good citizenship, peaceful coexistence, and respect for democratic institutions.
