Soludo Rolls Out ₦50,000 Monthly Stipend for Anambra Youth Leaders, Launches Biometric Capturing

 

The government of Anambra State, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has taken a historic step by approving a ₦50,000 monthly stipend for executive members and elected community youth leaders across the state. The announcement, which was met with praise and excitement, signals a new era of direct government engagement with youth leadership structures at the grassroots level.

This development was officially unveiled during a two-day training workshop held at the ASATU Secretariat Hall, located within the Government House in Awka. Organized by the Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU) Youth Wing in partnership with the Office of the Accountant General of the Local Government and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the event brought together 179 youth leaders from all communities across the state, as well as their counterparts from the South East geopolitical zone.

Governor Soludo’s directive includes a comprehensive biometric data capturing process for all qualified youth leaders under the ASATU Youth Wing, a move designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and precision in disbursement. The decision represents the first time since Anambra's creation in 1991 that a structured monthly stipend will be provided to youth leaders for their service and logistical responsibilities in their respective communities.

Delivering his remarks at the event, Comrade Ken Okoli, President-General of the ASATU Youth Wing, expressed deep appreciation to the governor, noting that the stipend would go a long way in enhancing the operational effectiveness of youth leaders. “This stipend is not just a token; it is a profound recognition of our relevance in community governance and youth development,” he said. “It will enable us to perform our duties more effectively, attend to community logistics, and remain motivated to champion the Solution Agenda of the state government.”

According to Okoli, the initiative is a groundbreaking gesture that cements Governor Soludo’s reputation as a youth-friendly leader. He added that Anambra’s youth leadership is now more inspired than ever to drive community development, uphold governance standards, and contribute to the preservation of security and values within their towns. “Governor Soludo can count on 100 out of 100 votes from the youth in the 8 November 2025 governorship election,” he declared confidently.

Also praised for their support of the workshop were the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba, and the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne. Both officials were acknowledged for their instrumental roles in aligning government efforts with grassroots priorities.

Participants at the workshop engaged in interactive sessions focused on leadership ethics, security sensitization, community values, and aligning youth governance with the broader developmental vision of the state government. The theme of the event — “The Role of ASATU Youth in Deepening and Consolidating Leadership, Security, Governance and Value System for Community Development in Line with the Solution Agenda of Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo” — reflected the broad objectives of the workshop.

Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, was on hand to declare the event open. In his address, he emphasized the critical role youth leaders play in the socio-political and economic advancement of their communities. He also applauded the collaboration between the ASATU Youth Wing, the ITF, and the Accountant General’s office, describing it as a model partnership that promotes youth empowerment and local governance.

Representatives from the Industrial Training Fund, civil society organizations, and media practitioners were also present, alongside notable government officials such as the State Commissioner for Lands, Prof Offomze Amucheazi, and Chairman of the Anambra State Town Union Caretaker Committee (ASTUC), Sir Vin Dike.

As the biometric enrolment of the youth leaders begins, there is renewed optimism that this intervention will foster a new level of dedication, discipline, and performance among the beneficiaries. The stipend is expected to ease the burden of mobility, communication, and mobilization costs often borne by community youth leaders, while also reinforcing the importance of structured youth participation in governance.

By investing directly in the leadership structures that connect government to the grassroots, Governor Soludo has taken a bold step toward reinforcing civic engagement, strengthening security at the local level, and building a future where youth are not only seen but heard — and supported.