…UJA Family Foundation Is Ready, If You Are Ready, Says Ukodhiko
…As JPI Delta State Assembly Holds Maiden Edition Meeting
The Founder of UJA Family Foundation, Engr. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko has harped on the need for youth involvement in politics.
Ukodhiko who was represented by Professor Peter Emaziye made this known during the maiden edition of the Jamie Pajoel International, which took place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, with the theme, ‘inspiring possibilities’, in Delta State Youth Assembly in Asaba.
He said “as digital generation , with rapid innovation their inclusion in politics is critical for the development of policies that will align with the needs of today’s developing world”.
He said that in the quest for good governance, it’s the youth at the forefront that suggests strategic and innovative reforms, adding that their participation in politics was not about representation, but about injecting new ideas, energy and fresh perspective into the political system.
Ukodhiko however expressed regret over how the socio- political structure and process in Nigeria is skewed in favour of the retired elites in the military and the economic juggernauts, as those youths who manage to participate in politics are given selective political offices.
The founder of UJA Family Foundation said without their presence in politics, the needed impact which the society yearns for can never be achieved, hence the need to push for reforms that makes it easier for them to compete on a level playing field.
Speaking the crucial role of youth in shaping the future of the state, he said their contribution to the development of the society cannot be underestimated.
According to him, the youths of the state are the present force that drives the future of the state, adding that their fresh perspective and innovative ideas drives progress as their familiarity with contemporary issues, technology and global trends allows them to propose creative solutions to local challenges.
While highlighting challenges confronting the youth, Ukodhiko said absence of adequate skills and education; financial constraints, he said inspiring them through the empowerment will encourage self reliance and entrepreneurial spirit, equip their full potential’s towards ensuring continous growth and development in themselves and their society.
Ukodhiko said there was need to critically note the sectors through which the youths can be enlightened and productively engaged so as to discover their inner purpose of empowering themselves and through themselves empowering others.
He assured them of his foundation readiness to empower them financially, if only they were ready.
Speaking the Director, UJA Family Foundation, Pastor Sunday Eluaani said financial empowerment of youths will help grow them in entrepreneural skills.
According to him, it was not the first of its kind as mentorship and empowerment is the core aim of the foundation.
He revealed that the foundation has always and continually provided for over four hundred vulnerable persons in Isoko on monthly basis, trained indigenes of Isoko in computer science and empowered them with 100 percent scholarship into the university.
Speaking earlier via Zoom, the founder of JPI, Dr. Jamie Pajoel urged the audience to draw strength from the JPI community. To always have a positive mind and be eager to learn.
In his words, the state President, Israel Ewomazino Omanudhowho said the event which was currently ongoing across 22 states in the country, was meant to empower and unite young people for innovative ideas, networking opportunities and mentorship.
Omanudhowho said the gathering of young leaders and entrepreneurs is with a vision of raising one million entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
He said 50 persons with sellable business ideas would be empowered after the event.
Those who spoke were Nehemiah Onyekaibe on the topic, capacity building; Ugagaoghene Ogheneyole, on Innovation; Nwamara Victor on resetting your mindset, Pastor Imafidion Raymond spoke on inspiring possibilities through leadership.
Highlight of the event was music performance, panel session, certificate presentation, networking amongst others.
