By BONIFACE AKARAH

Aspiring federal lawmaker, Dr. Nnamdi Ejekwumadu (Udongalasi), has called on youths of Ahiazu and Ezinihitte Federal Constituency to take the lead in driving an industrial revolution, warning that no constituency can achieve meaningful growth while its young population remains unemployed, excluded, or politically sidelined.

Speaking at the maiden Annual General Meeting and inauguration of the Concerned Youths of Ahiazu and Ezinihitte Movement (CYAEM), Ejekwumadu described youth organization as the foundation of accountable leadership and sustainable development.

“What you are inaugurating today is more than a structure; it is a statement — a declaration that the youths of Ahiazu and Ezinihitte are ready to take responsibility for their destiny,” he said.

The House of Representatives aspirant lamented what he described as years of poor representation and weak economic planning, noting that the consequences are visible in rising unemployment, migration, and widespread frustration among young people.

“A constituency cannot grow when its youths are idle, unheard, or treated as political tools rather than partners in development,” Ejekwumadu stated, adding that “when youths are united, conscious, and disciplined, leadership becomes accountable and development becomes intentional.”

Industrial clusters as pathway to jobs

At the centre of his address was the Mbaise Industrial Cluster Project, which he said was designed as a practical response to unemployment and economic stagnation in the constituency.

“My vision for Ahiazu and Ezinihitte is anchored on productive representation, not ceremonial politics,” he said. “True representation delivers institutions, investments, industries, and opportunities that outlive election cycles.”

Ejekwumadu explained that the project was shaped by decades of academic training and professional exposure to industrial clusters in Nigeria, Uganda, and the United Kingdom. He noted that similar models have transformed regions across Europe and South-East Asia with fewer resources than Mbaise.

“The difference was not accidental; it was long-term planning, political will, and competent leadership,” he said. “Our land has the human capital and entrepreneurial spirit. What we need is leadership with a clear blueprint and the discipline to implement it.”

Employment and infrastructure assurances

Responding to questions from youths, Ejekwumadu said the industrial cluster is projected to generate about 5,000 jobs, including 1,000 direct jobs and 4,000 additional opportunities across the value chain.

“Yes, there will be jobs for our youths,” he said. “This project will provide livelihoods for families and drastically reduce dependency ratios.”

He also outlined supporting infrastructure plans, including road access to markets, improved security using CCTV and GPS technology, expanded potable water supply through existing reservoirs, and improved health and educational facilities.

“Yes, there will be roads. Yes, there will be security. Yes, there will be water,” he said, stressing that development must be comprehensive and people-centred.

He added that schools and hospitals would be supported through corporate social responsibility agreements with participating companies, while the project would also feature a library, museum, research centre, and free Wi-Fi in town centres.

Call for disciplined youth engagement

Ejekwumadu challenged members of CYAEM to reject manipulation and insist on issue-based politics focused on production, skills, and innovation.

“You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the stakeholders of today,” he said. “Your responsibility is to organize, interrogate ideas, demand performance, and support visions that create jobs, not just promises.”

He concluded by urging unity across wards and local government areas, calling for a shift from what he described as the politics of “stomach infrastructure” to leadership that delivers measurable human development.

“Together, we can reposition Ahiazu and Ezinihitte as a hub of opportunity,” Ejekwumadu said. “The Industrial Cluster Agenda is not a slogan; it is a pathway to dignity, self-reliance, and shared prosperity.”

The event formally inaugurated the Concerned Youths of Ahiazu and Ezinihitte Movement, positioning the group as a youth-driven platform for civic engagement and development advocacy in the constituency.