The Deputy Governor of Abia State has called on student leaders to view leadership as a responsibility to serve rather than an avenue for personal privilege.
Emetu gave the charge while receiving the newly elected 31st Executive Council of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of (MOUAU), led by its President, , during a courtesy visit to his office at the Abia State Government house in Umuahia.
Congratulating the student leaders on their emergence, the Deputy Governor urged them to remain focused and resilient in the discharge of their duties, noting that leadership inevitably comes with challenges and responsibilities.
READ ALSO:
According to him, effective leadership demands sacrifice, dedication, and the courage to confront difficult situations in the interest of those being represented.
 |
| (Left) Hon.Comr. Nwogu Bright Chinonyerem and Ikechukwu Emetu (Right) |
Leadership, wherever you find yourself, is a call to service. You should not expect everything to be smooth because challenges are part of the responsibility. It is only a dead person that has no problems,” he said.
Emetu also cautioned the SUG executives against treating their positions as ceremonial titles, stressing that they had been entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the welfare and interests of the students who elected them.
“Do not see this office as a chieftaincy title. It is a call to service. You must be ready to work and always speak truth to power while representing the interests of the students,” he added.
The Deputy Governor commended the union leadership for initiating programmes aimed at improving student welfare, particularly the planned skill acquisition initiative to mark the union’s 31st anniversary.
He noted that such initiatives would help address social vices within the university community by equipping students with practical and productive skills.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of to creating opportunities for young people to thrive in the state.
In the new Abia, government has a human face. We are committed to building an environment where everyone, especially young people, can succeed. The youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders of today,” he stated.
Emetu also expressed his willingness to attend the union’s anniversary and homecoming activities scheduled for March 13 to 18 and pledged financial support towards the event.
Earlier in his remarks, the SUG President, Comrade Bright, explained that the visit was aimed at briefing the Deputy Governor on the union’s upcoming programmes and inviting him to serve as the keynote speaker at the 31st anniversary celebration.
He disclosed that the anniversary would feature a mega skill acquisition and empowerment programme designed to equip students with both digital and vocational skills, including digital marketing, web development, artificial intelligence, videography, graphic design, and pastry production.
According to him, the initiative is expected to train between 500 and 1,000 students, with participants also receiving small grants to help them establish small businesses while still in school.
Bright added that the celebration would also feature a homecoming event where alumni of the university would engage with students and share valuable insights on career development and leadership.
In her vote of thanks, the Vice President of the union, Hon. Onuekwusi Precious, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor for granting the delegation audience and assured him of the continued support of the student body for the state government.
She also commended the state administration for implementing policies and programmes that have positively impacted students and young people across the state.