From Obinna Odogwu, Abakaliki
Economic activities in the industrial city of Nnewi in Anambra State were recently grounded for several hours following the grand reception held for the state Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Anambra State chapter, Nonso Smart Okafor.
A coalition of youth organisations in Nnewi North council area operating under the aegis of Nnewi Youth Stakeholders Forum (NYSF) organised a grand reception for Okafor who hails from the industrial town.
Chairman of the organising committee, Mr. Ikebunwa Lotanna said the youths decided to honour Okafor because he was the first youth from that area to become the state’s helmsman of the council.
“His election has once again reaffirmed Nnewi as a great community with marvellous talents in various walks of life. It’s as a result of this that we decided to roll out drums and celebrate one of our own who has brought honour to Ndi-Nnewi,” he said.
But for Okafor, it was like a homecoming. Without doubts, his joy knew no bounds as he walked into the popular Uru Community Hall, with his entourage.
Hundreds of youths swam all over him like bees in expression of joy for their son’s feat.
Shortly after exchanging pleasantries, Okafor inspected a guard of honour mounted for him by the Man O’ War.
Earlier, the NYCN chairman had led his entourage to the palace of the traditional ruler of Nnewi Kingdom, Igwe K.O.N. Orizu, to pay homage.
The monarch who received the group alongside the Crown Prince, Prince Obi Orizu expressed happiness that one of his subjects was elected to such an enviable office.
He said he was not surprised, as entrepreneurship runs in the blood of the Nnewi people.
The first class monarch, however, charged the youths not to lose sight of the mission for which they were elected to actualise.
He prayed God to fortify them with wisdom, knowledge and strength to carry out the onerous tasks before them.
The Crown Prince Orizu reminded the youths that with their election into the NYCN, it was part of their responsibilities to help in grooming other young people in the state.
“Other youths in this state now look up to you as their role models. You must always live exemplary life. You must help to bring them up and channel them in the right way,” he advised.
Okafor thanked the monarch and his son for their warm reception.
He promised to do everything within his powers to ensure that the leadership of the council delivers on its campaign promises.
Speaking at the venue of his reception, Okafor, who is also a Mandela Washington Fellow, thanked the youths in Nnewi for honouring him.
“This day has been engraved in my heart. I feel highly elated and honoured. I am very grateful. Be rest assured that I will never let you down,” he assured.
National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the NYCN, Williams Nnonyelum Onyibor (Mustapha), charged the youths to remain focused on the core objectives of the council.
Coordinator of NYCN in Nnewi North, Ijeoma Mary-Jane Nwobi, promised that the youths under her watch would continue to support Okafor’s administration.
The event was attended by the member representing Nnewi North, South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Chris Azubogu; member representing Ekwusigo in the state’s legislature, Onyebuchi Offor; President, ECOWAS Peace Ambassadors, Eze Scholar, and the state leaders of various youth organisations among others.