PAY Moves to Shape Abia’s Future as Youth/Sports Ministry Backs Youths Extraordinary Convention

Progressive Abia Youths secure key partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development ahead of the Abia Youths Extraordinary Convention. Discover what this collaboration means for the future of Abia youths. Click to read full details.

The Progressive Abia Youths (PAY) have taken a bold step toward shaping the future of Abia State following a strategic courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, ahead of their forthcoming Abia Youths Extraordinary Convention.

Led by its National Leader, Mr. Daberechi Kingsley Ekejiuba, the youth group formally presented its concept note and proposal for the convention, describing the event as a historic gathering designed to unite young people across the state to deliberate on Abia’s future.

Abia Youths (PAY) National Leader, Mr. Daberechi Kingsley Ekejiuba and Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba” width=”1170″ height=”781″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/afnews.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pay-4.jpg?w=2048&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/afnews.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pay-4.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/afnews.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pay-4.jpg?resize=1024%2C684&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/afnews.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pay-4.jpg?resize=768%2C513&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/afnews.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pay-4.jpg?resize=1536%2C1025&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/afnews.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pay-4.jpg?resize=330%2C220&ssl=1 330w, https://i0.wp.com/afnews.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pay-4.jpg?resize=420%2C280&ssl=1 420w, https://i0.wp.com/afnews.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pay-4.jpg?resize=615%2C410&ssl=1 615w, https://i0.wp.com/afnews.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pay-4.jpg?resize=860%2C574&ssl=1 860w” sizes=”(max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px”/>

 

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Ekejiuba emphasized that PAY considers itself a critical stakeholder in the future of Abia State and therefore seeks active collaboration with the Ministry.

According to him, PAY has built a reputable youth-focused civic institution in the last five years, and the extraordinary convention is an avenue to appraise the milestones and chart a new course for the millions of Abia youths who are passionate about state and national development. 

He noted that beyond gathering young people, one of the key highlights of the convention would be an in-depth engagement with the Abia 25-Year Development Plan. He stressed that the long-term development blueprint must not only be known by the youth but also be understood, assessed, and adopted as a guiding framework for future leadership.

“The plan belongs to the youth because they are the future custodians of this state. It is not enough to document it; young people must internalize it and see how it aligns with their aspirations,” he stated.

In response, the Commissioner, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba warmly welcomed the delegation and commended PAY for seeking partnership rather than operating in isolation. He reaffirmed that the current administration under Governor Dr. Alex Otti is youth-friendly and committed to empowering young people.

The Commissioner assured the group of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate and support the convention, revealing that further discussions would be held to address venue concerns and other logistics necessary to ensure the success of the event.

“We are happy to partner with you. This administration believes in the youth as leaders of today and tomorrow. We will look into your request and work out a way forward to ensure the success of this program,” he assured.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism that the Abia Youths Extraordinary Convention will not only serve as a platform for dialogue but also mark a new chapter of structured engagement between the Abia State Government and its vibrant youth population.

 

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