In a bid to foster collaboration and synergy in youth development initiatives, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Hon. Dr. Emeka Ukaegbu Mandela paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade in Imo State, Brigadier General UA Lawal.
The visit, aimed at exploring avenues for partnership between the ministry and the military command as the commissioner marks one month in office, commenced with a warm reception at the brigade’s headquarters in Obinze.
The Commissioner, in his speech applauded the command for their seamless effort towards maintaining peace and tranquility in the State. He highlighted the importance of harnessing youth potential through structured programs that promote skill development and talent discovery across the state. The commissioner pinpointed some of the ministry’s activities and asked for partnership with the military command towards actualizing this set goals.
Expressing his gratitude for the commissioner’s visit, Brigadier General UA Lawal who also coincidentally marked his one year as the brigadier commander of the 34 artillery brigade same day as the commissioner marked one month in office, emphasized the critical role of collaborative efforts in addressing youth-related challenges and harnessing their capabilities for national development. He underscored the need for strategic interventions that empower young people and steer them away from vices detrimental to societal progress.
“The collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt and the 34 Artillery Brigade is timely,” remarked Brigadier General Lawal. “Together, we can achieve significant milestones in nurturing the talents and potentials of our youth, thereby contributing positively to our community and nation.”
He pledged his support towards any activity of the ministry that will benefit the youth not forgetting the fact that there youths in the military. He went on to highlight the fact that the ministry of youth development and talent hunt is a strategic ministry giving the fact that it deals with the youths who are the workforce and drivers of the nation. The commander said that south east is shortchanged in the military because the youths are not willing to join the military.He said the command will be fully involved in any activity of the youth ministry.
During the discussions, both parties identified areas of mutual interest, including vocational training and reorientation of the youths through a town hall meeting and mentorship programs. Plans were also outlined to establish joint initiatives that would engage youth in productive activities, promote peace building efforts, and enhance national unity.
The meeting concluded with the Honorable commissioner receiving a special gift as a compliment from the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Owerri award from the 34 artillery brigade, Brigadier general UA Lawal.
