Progressive United Nigerian Youths (PUNY), a Non-Governmental Organization, aimed at unifying youth’s development and inclusion, Friday , January 12, met in Enugu for it’s National Administrative Committee’s meeting to deliberate on issues affecting the group , the Ngerian youths and the way forward, frowning at the manner and ways some politicians use some Nigerian youths for thuggery cultism and other crimes.
National Chairman of the Association, Comrade Franklin Egbo made this known in his welcome address he presented during the meeting of the group held at the Castle Majestic Hotels, Enugu.
Pix- National Chairman Comrade ,Egbo (Standing)
Comrade Egbo condemned the practice of some politicians who had made it a duty to be using youths as political thugs to attack and kill people. He urged youths involved in such acts to desist from that , adding that the said Politicians or Political God Fathers have their children abroad.
He called on Politicians and leaders at all levels to place national interest and progress above personal interests as a way of building a better nation and bringing to an end issues affecting national development.
Pix: (L-R) Comrades Ugwuanyi , Olutunji, Ayas, Egbo, Etim, Abdullahi and Abubakar
The National Chairman said the organization was formed in 2022 to close the gap created by the inability of other youth organizations to project and protect the interest of Nigerian Youths.
He said, “Progressive United Nigerian Youths is an association of progressive-minded young persons and Nigerians who are inquisitive about changing the narrative of youth exclusion in Governance.
“We have seen numerous groups coming out from time to time to act on behalf of the voiceless Nigerian Youths, but still, there are still gaps filled everywhere.
“Our duty is to breach those gaps and usher in a generation of Nigerian Youths determined to make a positive impact in the country through innovation, scientific and technological inventions, amongst others.
Pix- Egbo( M) Abdullahi (R) Ayas(L)
“We are not supporting any political party, but we work with political leaders for the well-being of society,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to prioritize the issue of youth inclusions as that would help in training people that would pilot the affairs of the nation in the future. He also commended state Governors who have prioritized that urging others to follow suit.
Pix- Chairman, NYCN, Enugu, Okoh
The Vice -Chairman of the Organization, Hon Musa Ibrahim Ayas, in his speech, said the Organization was determined to change the leadership narrative, and called for unity across the nation, especially amongst members, as that is the way they will get what they desire and move the nation forward to enviable heights.
On his part, ,the National Treasurer Captain John Etim said the organization is one that protects the interest of Nigerians, especially her teeming youths.
He stated that the organization has a lot of members drawn across all spheres of life, with proven integrity and would form a formidable structure across the nation.
Pix- National chairman, Comrade Egbo
According to Etim, being apolitical was a choice of its members as they only partner with the Government across all levels to make things work.
Other Executive members who spoke in their separate speeches, called on leaders across the nation both political, religious, and traditional institutions to unite and move the nation forward.
National Executives present at the meeting were Comrade Frank Egbo ,National Chairman, Hon Musa Ibrahim Ayas, Vice Chairman, Captain John Etim, National Treasurer, Chief Folarin Olutunji A, Oyo state chairman, Anas Abubakar Zonal coordinator, Comr Ebuka Ogbodo, Pro, Ugwuanyi Ikenna Enugu chairman,Mohammad Aminu Abdullahi (Ataka) National Secretary.
Enugu state chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Bath Okoh was also present at the meeting
Author: Maureen Ikpeama