By Our Reporter
President, Obumuton Chiri Youths Council, Tamunoene Tamunotonye, has urged young people to take greater responsibility for developing character and using their influence to drive positive change in society.
He made the remarks during a one-day youth summit with the theme “The Strategic Youth Leaders,” held at the Obumuton Chiri Hall in Borikiri, Port Harcourt.
Tamunotonye said that true leadership is about vision, responsibility, service, character, influence and the ability to create positive change in the society.
He maintained that youth leaders can serve as bridges between the older generation and the younger generation, pointing out that youths can bring fresh ideas, while learning from the wisdom and experience of the elders.
Amanyanabo of Obumuton Chiri Kingdom, King Dr Darrick Achesomie, went down memory lane, noting that Obumuton Chiri gave birth to the old Port Harcourt Township. He stressed that when the colonial government sought for a space, it was the ancestors of Obumuton Chiri that negotiated and signed the 1913 agreement with the government.
“Our forebears were the traditional landlords of Old Port Harcourt Township; our ancestors were true leaders who represented a people, defended a patrimony and made decisions that shaped what Port Harcourt is today,” he said.
The royal father charged the youths to lead with fear of God and show exemplary love for the people with clean hands, noting that the future of the kingdom lies on the shoulders of the youths. He assured them of total support at all times, saying that he and the chiefs and elders of the kingdom will mentor them and create an enabling atmosphere for them to succeed.
Chief Israel Tom Aseminaso, Amabipi of Obumuton Chiri Kingdom, advised the youths to show total commitment to leadership. He noted that personal leadership, vision and communication skills are the bedrock to good leadership, adding that youths must create valuable measures to make positive change in the society.
Hon. Matthew Tamunoitekena Gbosi, the APP candidate for the state House of Assembly, said real change in the society does not happen through complaints alone, but happens when citizens organise, participate and vote credible leaders.
“Young people represent the most energetic, innovative and productive segment of society. Nigeria possesses one of the largest youth populations in the world. Leadership development occurs because participation cultivates responsibility, civic consciousness and leadership skills among youth,” he maintained.
He assured them of his unwavering support at all times and wished them well in their future endeavours. Several others who spoke at the summit expressed optimism and hope that the youths will ably represent the people of Obumuton Chiri with vigour, strength, fairness and equity.
