The President of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) Youth, Hon. Ken Okoli, has charged journalists and youth leaders across the state to play active roles in promoting accountability, good governance and the preservation of the people’s value system.
Okoli gave the charge while speaking at the September Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, and the opening ceremony of the 2026 Press Week at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka.
He described the media as a powerful institution capable of shaping society, educating citizens and influencing public opinion, stressing that journalists must ensure that individuals entrusted with public responsibilities are held accountable.
According to him, effective journalism goes beyond reporting events, as journalists have a responsibility to interrogate governance, enlighten the public and ensure that public office holders remain responsive to the needs of the people.
Okoli also highlighted the five pillars of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration, describing them as the foundation of the state government’s Solution Agenda.
He listed the pillars as security and law and order; infrastructure and economic transformation; human capital and social agenda; governance and value system; and environment.
The ASTUC Youth President said the value system was particularly important in defining the identity and character of a people, describing the Anambra value system as the “light of the nation.”
Citing the United Kingdom and the United States as examples of nation-building, Okoli said societies that developed strong values, institutions and effective systems of governance were better positioned to expand their influence and achieve sustainable development.
He therefore called on youth leaders across Anambra State to become more actively involved in governance and community development, urging them to help define and promote the values of their respective communities and take ownership of public life.
Okoli stressed that the future of Anambra depended largely on the willingness of young people to participate meaningfully in shaping society.
He also called for stronger collaboration among the media, traditional institutions, youth organisations and other stakeholders in building a more accountable society anchored on shared values, responsible leadership and good governance.
