[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP, which was once the ruling party is now the country’s main opposition after the defeat at the polls in the 2015 general elections. It is needless to say that the race for 2019 has already begun and a lot of plans are being put in place for the successful return of the party to its former glory.
One of such plans includes the election of capable party leaders that will help the party play a perfect opposition role and also claim victory at the polls come 2019.
The political parties in the country have been making some fatal mistake all these years and it haven’t paid off quite well. It is the exclusion of the youths in the decision making process. The position of the youth leader has always been occupied by elders, therefore keeping the supposed leaders of tomorrow in the dark. Finally, the PDP is about to take a right step in the right direction.
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This right step is what brought Rt. Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye into the scene. Let’s briefly delve into the profile of this youth with a difference
Rt. Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye was born 38 years ago and hails from Agbogugu village in Awgu Local Govt Area of Enugu State. He attended Central School Akegbe-Ugwu for his primary education, Community Secondary School Obuoffia and University of Port Harcourt where he studied Political Science and Administrative studies.
He became a successful and astute businessman at a very tender age. He also became a community youth leader in his village at the age of 23. In 2006 he became the leader of Enugu State Youth Coalition and in 2009 he became the National President Southeast Youth Movement.
In 2011 he contested in the election for the Enugu State House of Assembly and won. Because of his proven record of loyalty, dedication, integrity, intelligence and courage he was made the Leader Enugu State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2015, despite being a first timer and the youngest member at the time. A position he served without blemish.
In 2015 he was re-elected massively by his constituency because of his great contributions to the State and his effective representation. He is currently the Chairman House Committee on Works, Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Furthermore, this outstanding young leader has received numerous awards but notable among them are: the Community service award by Ohumagu Agbogugu Community, Ozor Okesinachi from the entire Agbogugu people, the Distinguished Youth Mentorship award from West African Young Lawyers forum in 2012, the Positive Youth Leadership award from Enugu State Youth Coalition in 2015, among others.
It is also worthy to note that his achievements and political prowess is not just known within his state. The Northern Youth Alliance (NYA), an umbrella body for 25 youth organisations, have also resolved to back the candidature of Rt. Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye as National Youth Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming convention in a statement signed by the President General of NYA, Comrade Muhammed Gambo and Secretary General Bulus Shamaki.
With the current challenges facing the country, the PDP needs to revamp its leadership and salvage the country by electing individuals with the drive and diligence as Rt. Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye.
To the PDP delegates, this is the time to get it right. A vote for this young man is a vote for innovation and progress.
Ugochukwu Gomez Nsude is a political activist. He tweets from @Gomeznsude.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
