By Fred Njoku…
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Hon. (Dr.) Emeka Ukaegbu Mandela (MBBS), emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to empower youths with creative abilities during a workshop in Owerri titled “Youth Arts and Democracy Initiatives.” The event, organized by Youth Awake for Better Society in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt, with support from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund and LEAP Africa, aimed to engage young artists in meaningful dialogue about societal challenges.
Addressing participants, the Commissioner praised the youths for their active participation, noting their artistic talents reduced the need for external talent. He highlighted the governments interest in utilizing their artwork to address community issues and expressed a commitment to compensating them for their contributions.
The workshop featured an array of abstract artworks that reflected the artists’ concerns, drawing attention to local challenges. Dr. Ukaegbu underscored the importance of supporting youths, rather than stigmatizing them for behavioral issues, and called for encouragement to help them overcome obstacles that hinder their growth.
Hon. Emeka Ukaegbu, Commissioner Youth Dev. (4th left) Fredrick Etu, Virtual Arts Dir. (,5th left) Onyema Ndukwe (ED) YABS, (4th right) Christopher Onyamienlen PhD, (2nd right). At the workshop
Dr. Ukaegbu reiterated his Ministry’s commitment to empowering youth and fostering development. He urged collaboration between the youth and government to achieve these goals.
Mr. Fredrick Chima Etu, a virtual arts director, stressed the significance of using art to express the frustrations of young people, framing these creations as calls for government attention to youth issues.
Onyema George Ndukwe, Executive Director of Youth Awake for Better Society, highlighted the NGOs role in capacity building and providing support for youth. He emphasized the program’s goal of helping young people develop their skills while offering health services to vulnerable community members. Ndukwe called for government accountability in creating an environment conducive to youth success and outlined strategies to connect young artists with global opportunities.
Dr. Christopher Sule Onyamienlen (PhD) discussed the importance of channeling youth anger and frustration into creative outlets rather than violence, stressing the NGO’s commitment to providing health care for talented artists through funding partners.
The event concluded with Dr. Lady Dorathy Mirikwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth Development, participating in a painting exercise that showcased her focus on youth activities. A highlight of the day was the open display of abstract artworks by students from various institutions, with the Honourable Commissioner purchasing one piece, further reinforcing government support for youth creative expression.
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