Youth of Anambra State under the auspices of Blazing Generation Initiative (BGI) have asserted their readiness and committment towards fostering a livable and prosperous society.
BGI at Eagles Assembly held in Awka, Anambra State capital, affirmed their desire to raise a breed of change agents, informed and refined youths to take the baton of leadership and champion transformation in their sphere of influence.
Speaking at the conference, the Convener, Comrade Arizechukwu Anaegbunam disclosed that the event was anchored on bringing about revitalisation, rehabilitation, revamping and redirection of the minds of the younger generation, which according to him, wields the beacon of hope for a better tomorrow.
“It is not just an event or conference as it were, it’s a project, a ministry, a movement designed to birth the needed change in the community of young people, occassion paradigm shift and reengineer mindsets. We are leveraging on every arsenal within our reach to engender the scope of this project as earlier mentioned.
“The Eagles Assembly is a self sponsored program,, hence the importance of partnerships and sponsorships. Suffice to say, it’s not been easy, but we have chosen to sacrifice to ensure the program keeps running as we hope for brands, well meaning individuals, organisations, conglomerates, etc partners with us. We are very optimistic that it will keep getting better yearly,” he added.
In a lecture, an industrialist and former governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr Valentine Ozigbo, enjoined the youth to seek the face of God as well as conduct adequate research before following anyone as a mentor.
Ozigbo, who argued that some leaders find it difficult to appreciate smart people following them as mentees, stressed that emotional intelligence would equally help the youth to succeed because it was a master key to unlock resilience for effective leadership and lasting success in all sphere of life.
“Seek Him first and every other things will be added unto you. To find a mentor, do it yourself. Conduct research to find out those with leadership traits you want. Do not wait for them to find you. Learn from their experiences, pick those things you want to learn from them and move on to effect the desired change in society.
“Why are people looking down upon us? What is the excuse? There is no excuse in life if you want to succeed. It is important to be focused. You can learn from others experience. I have been insulted and humiliated but I have never allowed that to wear me down. Always remember that hard work pays,” he stated.
On his political journey, Ozigbo, who was the governorship candidate of PDP in Anambra State 2021 poll, alleged that he was rigged out by combined forces he would not like to mention, adding that his attempt to reclaim his mandate in the forthcoming Anambra poll was again sabotaged.
According to him, the forces came after him in the Labour Party (LP) where he was almost unopposed candidate and he forced him to abandon the party.
“I left Labour Party because they have concluded on how to mess me up. I wouldn’t know whatever reasons that made them planned this against me. I won’t mention names of those persons. But I have learnt my lessons. I usually ask for God’s direction in whatever I do. God has directed me on what to do. That was why I left. I can’t join ADC because some of persons in the party can’t be trusted any more,” he clarified.
Ozigbo recalled that the LP during a convention held at Nnewi endorsed Mr Peter Obi as Presidential candidate for 2027, Alex Otti for Abia State Governorship poll, and others but kept mute on his ambition even when they met at State level.
According to him, at a stage those loyal to him were victimised by the party, a clear evidence of the plans to frustrate his ambition of becoming the LP governorship candidate and eventual governor of Anambra State.
Contributing, another resource person, Mr Benjamin Oyekunle, explained that the youth could build themselves as brands by investing in time and talents that matters most to them diligently and consistently without fear or favour.
“Your personality is the brand. If you set out for something, you must be ready to accomplish it. Your visions or convictions are from the passion within you. If you don’t drive it, no one will do that for you. Investing time and other resources in your value matters allot. People will always remember the values you added. Your authenticity and reputation stand you out,” he stated.
Also speaking, a legal luminary, Bar. Ekenechukwu Nwosu, who spoke on legality in business and enterprise, enjoined the youth to always find out if the businesses they wished to invest on is legal, and endeavour to fulfill all the legal obligations involved.
On her part, Lady_soldout, Mrs Monalisa Eke, hinted that everything about life hinged on change of mindset, which according to her, requires reading books, meeting and studying people, risk taking and adjusting when and where necessary.
Other speakers, including the State Chairperson, International Federation of Women lawyers (FIDA), Comrade Uche Udego, Comrade Izuchukwu Osakwe and Engr Umeasiegbu Obumneme, urged youth to shun get-rich-quick syndrome, engage on lawful activities and carefully maximise available opportunities for self development and growth.
The event also witnessed a panel discussion and award presentations to deserving members of the society.
