Investing in our youths will go a long way in sustaining the next generation-Hon Collins Okonkwo
Investing in our youths will go a long way in sustaining the
next generation-Hon Collins Okonkwo
After a handful of failed appointments, Anioma Essence
crew finally caught up with Hon Collins Okonkwo, the Honourable member
representing Delta North Senatorial District at the Nigerian Youth Parliament,
Abuja. In this media chat with our Associate Editor, Emeka Esogbue, Hon Collins
Okonkwo discusses the importance of the Nigerian Youth Parliament and talks of
ongoing plan to inaugurate the parliament in each of the Nigerian states. He
also reveals the challenges confronting the Anioma Youth and warns on why the
Anioma Political representatives, elders and stakeholders alike must fight to
solve the needs of the youngsters.
Excerpts.
Esogbue: We have heard of the Nigerian Youth Parliament,
what is it really about?
Okonkwo: The Nigerian Youth Parliament, Abuja was
established by the Federal Government through the Act of Parliament as a
platform for youths to lend their voice to National Development and to advocate
for the common good of the Nigerian youth with the aim of bringing about the
much desired change in the society.
Esogbue: Do procedures of this Nigerian Youth Parliament take
similar patterns of those of the National Assembly?
Okonkwo: Yes it does. We are the only legitimate Youth
body that use National Assembly complex for our sittings. Besides, we are 109 Honourable
members in Nigeria 3 of these representatives are drawn from each of the
senatorial district with one from the Federal Capital Territory. We also work
in line with our standing order but where not applicable, we refer to the
practices of the National Assembly.
Esogbue: With 109 Hon members, the Anioma area must be
well represented. Are there other Honourable members representing Anioma?
Okonkwo: We are organized in constituencies at the
senatorial level but actually operate as House of Representatives does. It
means that each senatorial District has one member. We have one Representative
from the Delta North (Anioma ) region. I am representing the region.
Esogbue: Would you for instance conclude that you have
been receiving overwhelming support from the Anioma leaders?
Okonkwo: (Cuts in and laughs) From some non-political
office holders, I will say yes. But, I must register my total disappointment
with most of the elected legislative members from the senate down to the House
of Assembly. We visited some who gave us audience with encouragement to make
presentations on challenges facing youth development in their constituencies
while some of them felt arrogant in their responses. I will not mention names
here but I continue to wonder that if we, the people’s representatives are
treated this way, how will an ordinary youth be treated?
Esogbue: if the situated painted by you is true, how have
you been funding your programs and bills
Okonkwo: (Cuts in) Point of correction. It is not painted
by me but what we have exactly witnessed.
Esogbue: We sense that in a way, one may conclude that
quite a number of people are unaware of this Nigerian Youth Parliament, what
are you doing to sell the existence of Nigerian Youth Parliament to the public?
Okonkwo: (Smiles) I will not agree with you in totality
because this is the 2nd session since its establishment by the Federal
Government of Nigeria. However, we have started the move to inaugurate the State
Youth Parliament in the 36 states of the federation so with time, it will gain
full popularity.
Esogbue: What has been your action plans for the Anioma
youths? What are they hoping to benefit?
Okonkwo: Well, my action plans for the youths of Anioma
entail a lot. We started by designing a blue-print after wider consultations
with various youth stakeholders. This later transformed to an action plan for economic
empowerment, leadership and entrepreneurship training. We have designed it to
run on a quarterly basis.
Esogbue: As a prominent youth leader, would you readily
conclude that the youths of Anioma are empowered?
Okonkwo: Not in any way, I must confess that am totally
disappointed in many of our elders who have disregarded our youths. If I may
ask what use are “Okada” (Motorcycles) that they donate to the youths. This
renders the youths miserable for the rest of their lives while the sewing
machines also makes no sense. Our leaders can do better than this.
Esogbue: What message do you have for the Anioma political
representatives with regards to youth empowerment?
Okonkwo: They should remember that investing in our youths
will go a long way in sustaining the next generation. Building the youths also mean
building a stronger generation for the future.
Esogbue: Finally, may our readers meet Hon Okonkwo?
Okonkwo: I studied Applied Geology from the Federal
University of Technology Akure. I hail from Umuozoma in Ogbeowele, Ibusa.
Before now I was the former National Secretary of National Association of Nig Students
(NANS). I am also an activist that savors betterment for mankind. This is
Collins Okonkwo.
Esogbue: Hon Okonkwo, we thank you
Okonkwo: Thank you too for the offer. May God bless you.
Comments
Post a Comment