Ibusa Youth Council Should Be Guided by the Obuzor and Obuzor Should Be Guided by the Law, Chief Hilary Zobeashia, Prominent Ibusa Youth

 Ibusa Youth Council Should Be Guided by the Obuzor and Obuzor Should Be Guided by the Law, Chief Hilary Zobeashia, Prominent Ibusa Youth

Chief Hilary Ifeanyichukwu Zobeashia is a certified Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) expert and Group Managing Director/CEO, Zobs Consult Ltd. In this interview, he shares with PEN MASTER (Emeka Esogbue) issues relating to youth development in Ibusa community. He reflects on societal failure to cater for the young minds and advises on ways to improve the Ibusa community as a whole. Excerpts:

Pen Master: Chief, finally, it's nice to meet you after the search. Please, can you introduce yourself to our teeming readers beyond Ibusa, your hometown?

Zobeashia: Thank you very much, Pen Master. Well, my name is Chief Hillary Ifeanyichukwu Zobeashia, an Abuja-based political businessman with strong roots in Ibusa. I am actively involved in both the political and business landscapes of Nigeria in general, and I remain committed to contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of Ibusa, my community and the nation at large. Thank you so much. 

Pen Master: I know quite well that you are based in Abuja, the nation's capital but I am also aware that you frequent Ibusa, your hometown. How would you compare these two societies in terms of political representation? Is Ibusa urbanizing fast enough?

Zobeashia: I would say that in terms of political representation, Abuja is not a state but Federal Territory, overseen directly by the Federal Government through the FCT Administration. As for Ibusa, my hometown, it falls within the Oshimili North Local Government Area, under the Delta State administration. Ibusa benefits from representation at both state and federal levels. In Comparison, Abuja residents have only the federal-level representations while our Ibusa has both state and federal legislative representation. Let us say that so far, there has been a completion of 5.3 km Okpanam–Ibusa bypass road, opened around mid‑2024 and the road is now improving connectivity and commercial growth in the area. There was also an Umejei Road expansion while the construction of concrete drains is ongoing. This is not a carriage dualization though as we have been made to understand. One may also say that the inclusion of Ibusa as part of the Delta State Capital Territory, is also an aspect of urbanization given the eastward extension which also comes with infrastructural growth or tendency for urbanization. We must not also forget that despite the potential growth or urbanization, there are challenges such as lack government presence such as ministries, and industrial hubs. The residents cannot boast of stable electricity supply in this present century and it is shocking. There are also no high-capacity dualized roads or advanced tourism development despite its potentials. All these are unexpected of a community located just about 6 miles from the state capital. I suggest steady road improvements and more reliable drainage infrastructure. The community should feature in state development planning through the Delta State Capital Territory Development Area because it is lacking. Local attractions and institutions like the Admiralty University, Okpuzu waterfall, and historic schools provide future take-off opportunities but not utilized. Let the government plan for waste‑to‑energy transformation of dumpsites and show environmental and economic promise and the community will be almost there. That of Abuja, I assume you already know so let me end it here. 

Pen Master: I must thank you, again for this but let us extend your knowledge further to the Anioma area. Are the Anioma political leaders doing enough for the region in terms of representation?

Zobeashia: While it’s fair to acknowledge that Anioma has produced notable political figures who have made contributions at both the state and federal levels, the broader sentiment among the people is that more could still be done. The expectations are high, especially considering Anioma's strategic position and its population strength within Delta State. Infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and economic opportunities still lag behind in many Anioma communities. In terms of political representation, there appears to be a gap between elected leaders and the grassroots, where the impact of governance is most felt. Many constituents feel unheard or underrepresented. What Anioma needs now is a new generation of bold, visionary leaders, men and women who are deeply connected to the people and ready to challenge the status quo for the good of the region. Representation must move beyond political visibility and translate into measurable development, equity, and empowerment across all Anioma localities.

Pen Master: Do you also believe in the proposed Anioma State and its consequent relocation to the Southeast region?

Zobeashia: Yes, I believe the proposal for an Anioma State deserves serious consideration not just for symbolic reasons, but for practical, political, and cultural ones. Anioma people are Igbo by heritage, language, and tradition, yet we have long been politically situated in the South-South Zone. While this alignment has had its advantages, it has also led to a sense of marginalization and misrepresentation in terms of national planning and identity.

Creating an Anioma State and integrating it into the Southeast region would help correct that historical imbalance. It would ensure better representation, deeper cultural integration with our Igbo kith and kin, and potentially greater political leverage in national affairs. However, such a move must be approached with broad consultations, unity of purpose, and respect for all stakeholders within Delta State and the Southeast zone.

Ultimately, I support any initiative that promotes justice, equity, and inclusivity for Anioma people.

Pen Master: Is the Nigerian government doing enough for the youths?

Zobeashia: No, the Nigerian government is not doing enough for its youth, and the reasons are structural, systemic, and persistent. Youth unemployment remains deeply alarming and should be improved on. Let me serve you these statistics. According to Afrobarometer, in 2024, only 2% of Nigerian youths think the government is performing "fairly well" or "very well" on job creation, and just 6% on inflation control, two of their top concerns. Many programs are believed to lack scale or sustainability, and fail to integrate with long-term national development plans. There’s also a consistent mismatch between training and real job market demands, especially in rural areas or underserved states.

The government and other youth agencies in the country may consider better coordination and oversight of youth programs for consistency and accountability. Scaling successful initiatives, especially digital youth training, into underserved states as done in the developed world will also help. I think the government should work to combat corruption, ensure that funds reach intended beneficiaries because these constitute a lack of youth development in the country. To answer your question directly, Nigeria youths remain largely under-served by current government efforts. 

Pen Master: Now, Chief Zobeashia, let me bring you back home.The leadership of the Ibusa Youth Council appears to be stuck in their bid to pass on the baton to the next officers. What exactly is the problem here?

Zobeashia: Thank you for bringing this vital issue to the front burner, the leadership crisis in the Ibusa Youth Council is indeed troubling. What we are witnessing is a classic case of institutional stagnation caused by a lack of internal cohesion, transparency, and perhaps, the politicization of what should be a purely developmental platform. The youth council is meant to be a unifying body vis-a-vis a nursery for future leaders and a channel for youth development. Unfortunately, it has become entangled in undue personal interests and power struggles, making it difficult to conduct credible elections or even transition leadership smoothly.

What we need now is urgent reconciliation and reorientation. The elders, stakeholders, and past leaders must intervene to ensure that the ideals of service and unity are restored. The youths must also understand that this council is not a personal estate or a battleground, it is a sacred trust. Until this is resolved with sincerity and a shared vision, the Ibusa Youth Council will remain stuck, and sadly, the community will continue to lose a vital instrument for progress. 

Pen Master: ...but there is also a legal suit, another difficult angle to it. Do you condemn or acknowledge it?

Zobeashia: On the legal suit in the Ibusa Youth Council crisis, do I condemn it? Yes please, I do in all its ramifications and rectification of equitable tenacity. Let me be clear here. Litigation should always be the last resort in matters of youth leadership, especially in a close-knit community like Ibusa. The fact that the issue has escalated to the courtroom, signals a breakdown in internal dispute resolution mechanisms, speaking from the point of a certified ADR expert and that is regrettable. However, the 1999 constitution as amended gives rights to every citizen, including our youths, the constitutional rights to seek redress in court when they feel aggrieved or anyone feels aggrieved. What I condemn is the failure of dialogue, consensus, and elder mediation that allowed the matter to deteriorate to this extent. Ibusa is a town of history and pride. We must not allow youthful ambition to become a youthful division. The courts may settle the law, but only unity can secure the future of the Ibusa Youth Council. I call on all parties to reconsider alternative dispute resolution for a peaceful resolution. The energy of the youth must be redirected toward progress not a prolonged crisis.

Pen Master: ...Chief, but the Youth Council and some others in the community believe that the Association itself is a youth affair and that the Obuzor leadership intervention is undue interference. The claim is that the youths should be allowed to do their thing and only be guided by the elders when they fail to get it right. Are there other options available to express themselves to the Obuzor leadership other than the court action?

Zobeashia (Surprised) Hmm! The youths can't be left alone. The youths can't be left alone. There has to be guidance. It is just like check and balance. Even at the government level, they have the legislative, judiciary and executive. The youths can't be left alone to operate because they will misuse the power. The intervention of the Obuzor is not out of place but he also has to be guided by rules or laws as well. 

Pen Master: now as a trained student of peace studies and conflict resolution that you are, what are you recommending?

Zobeashia: As someone professionally trained in peace studies and conflict resolution, I am always moved by sincere interest in resolving conflicts constructively.

However, in matters requiring expert inputs and practical interventions, it is important to approach it through proper consultation channels. I am open to engagements, but such professional services are best handled formally. If they are of genuine interest in resolving these conspicuous conflicts, I will be happy to discuss the terms and scope of professional engagements in a maximum of 7 weeks. Within this period, the parties will embrace each other and a peace accord will be signed for lasting peace to encapsulate the conflicting parties.

Thank you, Pen Master.

Pen Master: Okay, but do you think the Ibusa elders are doing enough to mentor the youths of this community?

Zobeashia: Frankly speaking, while some Ibusa elders are genuinely committed to guiding and empowering the youths, the overall effort has not been sufficient. Mentorship goes beyond occasional advice or ceremonial involvement, it requires consistent engagements, structured programs, and deliberate investment in youth development. Many of our elders have become passive or overly political thereby distancing themselves from the everyday realities facing our young people and the results have manifested in unemployment, identity crisis, drug abuse, and lack of civic directions. The traditional mentorship system that once existed in Ibusa has weakened significantly. If we truly want progress, our elders must step up, not just as custodians of culture, but as intentional mentors.They need to create platforms for skill transfer, foster intergenerational dialogue, and offer moral guidance. The future of Ibusa depends on how well the torch is passed to the next generation  and that can’t happen in silence or neglect.

Pen Master:  Away from Ibusa discourse now, what was growing up like for you?

Zobeashia: Growing up for me was a journey of learning, discovery, and resilience. I was raised with strong values of discipline, community, and hard work. My childhood was shaped by both challenges and opportunities, moments that taught me responsibility early. It also gave me a deep appreciation of culture, family, and the importance of education. Looking back, those formative years built the foundation for who I am today. I am someone committed to growth, service, and making a positive impact in my society.

Pen Master: Interestingly, your educational training is versatile in different fields. Can we posit that the urge for education among the Ibusa youths is dropping as someone submitted in one Ibusa forum?

Zobeashia: Yes, I share that concern to an extent. While it's true that my own educational journey has been quite versatile, cutting across disciplines and deeply rooted in personal development, it saddens me to observe that the same level of enthusiasm for education seems to be diminishing among many Ibusa youths today. In the past, education was seen as a badge of honour in Ibusa; families took pride in sending their children to school, even under tough economic conditions. Today, however, there’s a noticeable shift. Many young people are now drawn to shortcuts, quick money syndrome, social media fame, and unproductive distractions than the rigours of academic pursuit. That said, I won’t generalize. There are still some brilliant and determined youths from Ibusa breaking boundaries and excelling in various fields. But the truth remains that the overall culture of valuing education has weakened. What we need now is a joint effort vis-a-vis our elders, parents, community leaders, and even the successful sons and daughters of the community to reawaken that old educational spirit. We must show the younger generation that education is still one of the strongest tools for personal and communal developments. For me as an entity among other entities, I have acquired 3 degrees including a Master's degree in Peace Studies & Conflict Resolutions. I am currently running a degree program in International Relations and Diplomacy and also PhD in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolutions. There are other professional certificates I have acquired. Pen Master,  I am a life student because I learn everyday. 

Pen Master: Is there something people don't know about you?

Zobeashia: Absolutely, everyone has layers, some of my stories either remain private or misunderstood. Most people see my public or social strength but don’t realize the quiet sacrifices I have made behind the scene. They may not know how deeply I care, how much I reflect or think before acting, or how often I choose peace even when conflict should be assumed easier. It could also be something simple but profound. However, my passion for learning, moments of vulnerability, or personal battles that shaped my resilience cannot be overemphasized.

Pen Master: So, any regret in life? Regret is a human experience, and like most people, there were some moments I wished had gone differently or never came my way. An example is not fully trusting my instinct and inner voice earlier in life. There were times I allowed fear, doubt, or societal expectations to silence decisions I knew in my heart were right for me. Those moments delayed certain opportunities and personal growth in me. However, I also believe regrets are part of the journey because they teach us, the lessons of humility, and refine our character. So while I may have a few regrets, I have chosen to learn from them rather than become defined by them. Most regrettably. Maybe, I regretted not joining the police force as an officer for some personal reasons but all the same, to God alone be all the glory.

Pen Master: Chief Hilary, it's been nice speaking with you.

Zobeashia: Thank you, Pen Master and God bless you.