COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MAIDEN SUMMIT OF OKIGWE ZONE YOUTH DIGESTIVE FORUM HELD ON JULY 5TH, 2025 AT ROCKVIEW MULTIPURPOSE HALL, OWERRI, IMO STATE
The Okigwe Zone Youth Digestive Forum, after its maiden Summit themed “Okigwe Zone and the Way Forward”, held on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at the Rockview Multipurpose Hall, Owerri, Imo State, and attended by youth leaders, stakeholders, political figures, traditional rulers, and distinguished citizens, hereby issues the following resolutions:
- Commendation to His Excellency the Governor of Imo State
The Forum expresses profound gratitude to His Excellency, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma, Executive Governor of Imo State, for his exceptional performance, particularly in the creation of autonomous communities and the implementation of a functional health insurance policy. These initiatives have significantly enhanced grassroots governance and improved healthcare access for the people of Okigwe Zone.
- Reconciliation and Unity Among Leaders
The Forum reaffirms its firm belief in peace building and reconciliation. In alignment with the speech of the President, Barr Chijioke Onwubuariri, the Forum insists that a comprehensive peace and reconciliation process has been initiated to bring all political, traditional, and religious leaders of Okigwe Zone to a common roundtable. This is to forge unity and chart a collective roadmap for the advancement of the zone.
- Youth Empowerment as a Developmental Priority
The Forum emphasizes that Okigwe Zone youths must be supported across all sectors, ICT, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and vocational trades. As a strategic step forward, the Forum is launching a ₦100 million Youth Empowerment Initiative, which will be applied toward:
Skills acquisition programs, Micro-loans for small businesses
Procurement of six mobility buses for each LGA
Education support (including school uniforms and writing materials)
Community health outreach programs
- Political Equity and the 2027 Governorship Question
The Forum unequivocally asserts that it is time for the governorship of Imo State to return to Okigwe Zone. After over two decades of exclusion and in the spirit of equity, fairness, and justice, we call on all political parties to cede their 2027 governorship tickets to competent sons or daughters of Okigwe Zone extraction. Okigwe Zone has the capacity, vision, and unity to lead Imo State to greater heights.
- Strengthening the Healthcare System
While acknowledging the gains from current health policies, the Forum calls for further investment in healthcare infrastructure, including:
Expansion of mobile clinics Improvement of primary healthcare centers
Increased access to community health insurance schemes
- Strategic Developmental Pillars
To address the ongoing challenges of unemployment, poverty, and infrastructure decay, the Forum has identified the following key focus areas:
Economic Development: Encouraging small-scale industries and agribusinesses
Education: Advocating for digital literacy and better school facilities
Infrastructure: Improving road networks, electricity, ICT, and water access
Youth Inclusion: Ensuring young people are part of the governance and decision-making processes at all levels
- Call to Action for Stakeholders
The Forum extends an urgent call to action to all relevant stakeholders:
Elected officials must champion policies that promote Okigwe zone’s development
Business leaders should invest in local enterprises and job creation
Traditional rulers are urged to spread the message of unity and progress
Community-based organizations and NGOs should partner on developmental programs
- Sustainability and the Future
The Forum reiterates its commitment to serving as a catalyst for positive change beyond 2027. The Okigwe Zone Youth Digestive Forum will remain a strategic platform for youth mobilization, policy engagement, and regional advancement.
Conclusion
The Summit marks a turning point in Okigwe Zone’s journey toward unity, empowerment, and political relevance. It is a bold declaration that the youth of Okigwe Zone are ready to lead, not only in voice but in coordinated action. We shall rise above all odds, forge strong alliances, and pursue a future that reflects the greatness and potential of our land.
May God bless Okigwe Zone, and may the collective vision we share today ignite the dawn of a new era.
Signed:
Barr Chijioke Onwubuariri
President, Okigwe Zone Youth Digestive Forum
For and on behalf of the Forum
Dr Eli E. Dibia
(BOT Chairman )
Comrade Chidiebube Okeoma Isiala Mbano LGA
Mr Chika Emedo Onuimo LGA
Oguchukwu Tobias Ehime Mbano LGA
Tony Chukwu Okigwe LGA
Dr Vitus Nduji Ihitte Uboma LGA
Dr Chima Madu Obowo
Date: July 6, 2025
Venue: Rockview Multipurpose Hall, Owerri, Imo State.
