Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, Chairman of the Occasion at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing, Abia State Chapter has called for stronger collaboration between Igbo elders and youths, stressing that the development of Igbo communities requires the combined wisdom of the older generation, the energy and innovation of young people.
Dr. Anyaso made the call while delivering his keynote remarks at the Community Youth Townhall Meeting held on Friday at the Women Development Centre Umuahia by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing, Abia State Chapter, where he spoke on the theme, “Nsopuru Ndi Okenye Na Mkpa Ndi Ntorobia N’ime Obodo Anyi” — Respect for our elders and the importance of youths in our communities.
He described the theme as timely and relevant to the future of Igbo society, noting that elders remain custodians of history, values and traditional wisdom, while youths have a critical responsibility in shaping the future.
According to him, respect for elders should not prevent young people from participating meaningfully in leadership and community development.
“To our young people, I say this clearly: you are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; you are partners in leadership today.”
Dr. Anyaso said young people must be given opportunities to contribute their energy, creativity, education, technological knowledge and courage to the development of their communities.
He, however, challenged the youths to prepare themselves for leadership by developing character, competence, discipline and integrity, stressing that demands for opportunities must be accompanied by a willingness to assume responsibility.
He equally called on elders to go beyond asking young people to wait for their turn, urging them to deliberately mentor the younger generation, open doors for them and prepare them for future responsibilities.
“Our elders must not simply tell the youths to wait for their turn. They must mentor them, open doors for them and deliberately prepare them to take over the responsibilities of tomorrow.”
Dr. Anyaso said there should be no generational conflict between elders and youths, describing the relationship between both groups as complementary.
“The elders have the experience; the youths have the energy. The elders carry the wisdom; the youths carry innovation. The elders preserve our history; the youths must protect and advance our future.”
He further urged Ndigbo to preserve the values of enterprise, resilience, education and self-reliance, which he described as important attributes historically associated with the Igbo people.
The Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency called for communities where elders are respected, young people are heard, talent is rewarded, entrepreneurship is encouraged and youths are given meaningful opportunities to contribute to society.
He commended the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing, Abia State Chapter, for creating a platform for dialogue between generations, but urged the organisers and participants to ensure that the discussions translate into practical actions.
“Let this not be another meeting where speeches are made and nothing changes. Let this be the beginning of a stronger partnership between our elders and our youths.”
Dr. Anyaso concluded by emphasising the importance of intergenerational cooperation in building a stronger Igbo society.
“Because when wisdom and strength work together, the community becomes unstoppable,Ndigbo must not only inherit a future ,we must deliberately build one.”
In a note of appreciation, State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Dr Chukwuemeka Okwuonu appreciated Dr Anyaso for Chairing the occasion while calling on all the Youths of Bende to Massively vote for him to Represent Bende Federal Constituency come 2027.
