Abuja: The Director-General of CYMS, Chief Obinna Nwaka, shared insights into the organization’s strategic plans and policy focus during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday. Nwaka highlighted that CYMS is dedicated to policy development, emphasizing the promotion of Federal Government programs, fostering good governance, encouraging peaceful coexistence, and facilitating employment opportunities for young people.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nwaka discussed the organization’s initiatives designed to ensure active youth engagement and empowerment from the grassroots to the national level, particularly with the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections. CYMS is committed to strengthening democratic participation and works closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold democratic values. The organization has been accredited by INEC to participate in the elections scheduled for February 21.
Nwaka elaborated on CYMS’s focus on underserved communities within the FCT, addressing the marginalization of areas outside Abuja’s metropolitan center. A significant initiative is the upcoming Bwari Youth Summit on February 17, which aims to enhance grassroots engagement by focusing on security awareness, youth welfare, governance, and empowerment. The summit, the first of its kind in Bwari Area Council, is expected to foster a stronger connection between young people, stakeholders, and the Federal Government.
The Director-General acknowledged the efforts of FCT Minister Mr. Nyesom Wike in driving developmental projects in Bwari, attributing these advancements to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Nwaka emphasized that such projects are changing perceptions and reducing fears of neglect in areas like Ushafa.
On the topic of grassroots governance, Nwaka reiterated CYMS’s support for local government autonomy, advocating for direct funding to local government chairmen to ensure transparency and accountability. A two-day national conference on local government autonomy is planned in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This conference aims to raise awareness, promote public advocacy, and address rural-urban migration by highlighting the benefits of effective local governance.
The conference will also involve anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to address issues of fund mismanagement. Through these initiatives, CYMS is striving to create a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance system that benefits all levels of society.