The Ifeanyi Uke Foundation's 2024 Teens/ Youth Conference has come and gone, but it's impact still reverberates in conversations and discussions amongst its target audience. Though Ikwuano LG, the target reach of the Conference hosts a Federal University, the Ifeanyi Uke Foundation's Talkshop is the first ever non-academic intellectual interactive session with youths in recent times.


It will be recalled that in continuation of its commitment to chase away shadows and brightening paths of many individuals, the Ifeanyi Uke Foundation made a bold foray into the lives of teens and youths in Ikwuano LG and Abia State, with its impactful 2024 youth and teens conference.



The event which took place at Chaise World Hotel Umudike, Abia State, fostered an atmosphere of camaraderie among  Ikwuano youths specifically and Abia youths in general.


Tagged " Equipping The Young: Illuminating The Paths To Positive Change Through Knowledge", the 2024 Ifeanyi Uke Foundation's Teens / Youth Conference was organized following the accelerated passion among the Abia youths who itch for growth and connection in finding ways and means of sharing ideas and exploring their potential.




The event featured impactful speeches by different facilitators, interactive sessions, and mentorship opportunities.


Speaking on the topic "The Youth and Entrepreneurial Skill Development", the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Professor Kenneth Ekwe encouraged participants to embrace education not just as a formal requirement but as a tool for empowerment and innovation. He stressed  the need for youths to develop a practical skill alongside academic learning.



Earlier on, co-chair, Open Government Partnership - Non State Actors, Abia State, Priscilla Ogbonna while speaking on the topic " Drug Abuse: Effects on the youths and society" reeled out some of the dangers of drug abuse to include organ damage, anxiety and depression, infection and diseases, addiction and many more. She urged  participants to avoid anything capable of destroying their future.


Bringing his wealth of knowledge to bear, the Director of Climate change in the Abia State Ministry of Environment, Ike Chris attributed the excesses witnessed in the weather condition to Climate change. Ike while speaking on the topic "Climate Change and role of the youth" urged the youths to eschew activities that are likely to exacerbate the extreme weather conditions already witnessed. He advised them to form clusters and Climate Change action groups and express interest in mitigating the menace.



Other facilitators including Patricia Mgborogwu and Chukwudi Elvis also took time to do justice to their various topics which include  "The Youth: Purpose and Self Identity" and " Digital Skill and the Future of Works: Exploring Various Opportunities" respectively.


 Mgborogwu's thought -provoking statement "You are mostly useful when you are youthful" seemed to resonate deeply within the young individuals who are trying to find their bearings in order to make meaningful impacts in the society. 



Mgborogwu encouraged participants to make intentional decisions that will align with a good moral values.


On his part, Engr. Elvis  highlighted the needs for digital coexistence, reeling out the three dimensions of ICT to include information skills, communication and collaboration. Elvis enjoined participants to embrace digital skills as the world quickly advances towards technology.


Welcoming participants at the event earlier on, the Director -General of Ifeanyi Uke Foundation, Sam Ogbonna highlighted the commitment of the Foundation in empowering young people. 


Ogbonna congratulated the participants for making the list despite the large number of enrollees for the program.


Reacting, some of the participants including Marizu Joshua lauded the conference for its relevance and impact; expressing joy for the programs and projects of the Ifeanyi Uke Foundation. He further described the conference as timely while encouraging his fellow participants to implement the lessons learnt at the conference.


Drawing the curtains on the event, the chairman of the committee for the 2024 Teens/ Youth Conference, Monday Ironcho expressed joy over the large turn out of participants. He thanked them for coming while praying for their safety back home.


The event featured music and group photo graphs.


Meanwhile, days after the event was held, congratulatory messages have continued pour in by both participants and groups, eulogizing the event and thanking the leadership of the Foundation for its continuous promotion of activities that impact positively on the society.


 Many, including notable sons and daughters of Ikwuano and beyond described the conference as a huge   success, adding that the conference has once again demonstrated the  unwavering commitment of the Foundation in the area of youth empowerment, capable of setting a high standard for impactful community-building initiatives. 




 Media Unit, Ifeanyi Uke Foundation