By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Governor’s Special Adviser on Youth Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, has called for stronger collaboration among the Church, families, communities and other institutions in shaping the character and future of young people in the state.
Omenugha made the call during a series of engagements across parts of Anambra State, where he combined religious, cultural, educational and community activities with advocacy for the Youth Reformation Agenda of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
The Special Adviser began the day at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Isuofia, where he joined family members, friends and the Catholic faithful to celebrate the 25th priestly anniversary of Very Rev. Fr. Jude Mbanefo.
Omenugha, who was privileged to propose a toast in honour of the celebrant, described the priest’s life and service as reflections of selflessness, discipline, courage and commitment to humanity.
He particularly acknowledged Fr. Mbanefo’s dedication to youth apostolate and Divine Mercy, while seeking his continued prayers and support for the Youth Reformation Agenda of the Soludo administration.
According to him, the task of reforming and repositioning young people could not be left to government alone, stressing that the Church, family, community and other institutions that influence the development of character all have important roles to play.
From Isuofia, Omenugha, accompanied by Arc. Charles Okey Egbudom, proceeded to condole with the widow of the late traditional ruler of Isuofia, Igwe (Col.) C.A.O. Muoghalu (Rtd.), the Isu II of Isuofia, who had recently been laid to rest.
The engagements continued in Igbo-Ukwu, where the Special Adviser attended the grand initiation of Dr. Obinna Joseph Ezeobi into the Nze na Ozo Society of Igbo-Ukwu.
He also joined the former President-General of the community, Chief Rob Ezeife, to unveil the Igbo-Ukwu Undergraduate Essay Prize, an initiative aimed at encouraging intellectual excellence among young people.
Omenugha commended the initiative, describing it as a worthy investment in the younger generation and urging other individuals and organisations with the means to create similar platforms that would provide young people with purpose, responsibility and productive opportunities.
He emphasized that meaningful youth reformation must go beyond rhetoric, noting that deliberate efforts must be made to provide young people with opportunities to learn, think, work, lead and make useful contributions to society.
“If you cannot take away many young people from the street, take out one,” Omenugha said, stressing the importance of individual interventions in transforming the lives and future of young people.
He said the principle was central to the Youth Reformation Agenda, which, according to him, seeks to create an environment where responsible living, excellence and service become attractive choices for young people.
The day’s activities ended at Nkwelle Ezunaka, where Omenugha joined Ugochukwu Ikwuka (Omemma) for his grand Ọzọ New Yam Harvest, popularly known as Iri Ji.
He described the event as an opportunity to witness the richness of Igbo culture, with traditional dances, masquerades and indigenous cuisine forming part of the celebration.
Reflecting on the various engagements, Omenugha said faith, culture, character, education and community development should not be treated as isolated issues, but as interconnected elements in raising a new generation of responsible young people.
He said the objective was to build what he described as a “New Onye Anambra” — a young person who is proud of his or her heritage, grounded in values, productive in society and committed to contributing to the development of Anambra.
According to him, youth reformation is not simply about changing young people, but also about creating the social environment and opportunities that encourage them to embrace responsibility, excellence and service.
