Uchenna Johnson
Awka
Youths in Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State have raised the alarm over the high cost of obtaining nomination forms for elective political offices in the state.
They said the financial burden constituted a barrier and discouragement to many capable young people from actively participating in politics and public leadership.
Speaking during LGA Quarterly Dialogue Session powered by Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI), one of the participants, Mr George questioned the government’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance.
He also raised concerns relating to election manipulation and emphasized the need for transparent, credible and inclusive electoral processes that encourage active participation by young people and citizens.
He further lamented growing insecurity within the Local Government Area and called for stronger collaboration between government, security agencies and community members to improve public safety.
Another participant, Mr Chiemezie expressed concern over poor state of environmental sanitation within Owerri Municipal as well as indiscriminate waste disposal and inadequate waste management, identifying them as major environmental challenges contributing to unhealthy living conditions and increasing risk of disease outbreaks.
He called for improved waste collection systems, greater public awareness on proper waste disposal and stronger government intervention in environmental sanitation.
On electricity supply, Mr Uche sought clarification regarding widely circulated information about the provision of 24-hour electricity in Owerri, urging government to provide accurate information on the current state of electricity supply and plans to improve power availability for residents.
Responding, Local Government official and Director of Youth, Imo State ministry of Youth, Mr Iheanacho appreciated participants for their thoughtful contributions and acknowledged importance of creating platforms that allow young people to engage directly with government representatives.
On environmental sanitation, Iheanacho acknowledged that waste management remained a significant challenge within Owerri Municipal.
He emphasized that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility and encouraged residents to comply with approved waste disposal practices while assuring participants that the concerns raised would be communicated to the appropriate authorities.
He encouraged participants to rely on official government communication channels for accurate information regarding electricity projects and noted that relevant authorities continue to engage stakeholders on improving power supply.
Addressing youth inclusion in governance, Iheanacho encouraged young people to remain actively involved in civic and political processes despite existing challenges.
He explained that the cost of nomination forms is determined by political parties and encouraged youths to continue organizing, advocating, and preparing themselves for leadership opportunities at different levels of governance.
Responding to concerns about insecurity, the official stressed the importance of collaboration between residents and security agencies.
He encouraged community members to promptly report suspicious activities and continue supporting community-based security initiatives.
Regarding concerns about election manipulation, Iheanacho emphasized the need for peaceful participation in democratic processes and encouraged citizens to remain actively engaged in civic education, voter participation, and lawful electoral processes.
Although no specific commitments were made during the session, the official assured participants that the issues raised had been noted and would be communicated to the relevant authorities for necessary consideration.
Earlier, Executive Director, Nonso Orakwe said the dialogue Session was organized to provide a platform for constructive engagement between youths, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), civil society actors and Local Government officials in Owerri Municipal.
“The session aimed to promote citizen participation in governance by creating an avenue for participants to discuss issues affecting their communities, seek clarification on government policies, and recommend practical solutions to improve governance and service delivery,” he said.
Underscoring importance of active citizenship, accountability and collaboration between government officials and community members, Orakwe urged participants to freely express their concerns and contribute ideas that could support improved governance within the LGA.
Participants, numbering 31, including youths, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and civil society representatives appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with government representatives and called for sustained stakeholder engagement to improve governance, accountability, and service delivery within the area.
They recommended that waste management systems within Owerri Municipal Area be strengthened through improved waste collection services, increased public sensitization and better environmental sanitation practices.
Other recommendations included more deliberate measures to be introduced to encourage youth participation in governance by reducing barriers to political participation.
