In a landmark moment for youth-led governance in Nigeria, the Progressive Abia Youths (PAY) have officially adopted the Abia State 25-Year Development Plan (2024–2050) as a guiding framework for present and future governance in the state.
This historic resolution was reached at the end of the just-concluded Abia Youth Extraordinary Convention 2026, the largest youth-led, non-partisan civic gathering in the state’s history, which convened over 500 young leaders from across the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State at the International Conference Center Umuahia on 10th April.
The adoption marks a bold and unprecedented step—signaling a transition from passive civic engagement to structured, policy-driven youth participation in governance.
A Defining Shift in Youth Engagement
For the first time, young people in Abia State have collectively taken ownership of a long-term development framework, positioning themselves not just as stakeholders, but as active drivers of implementation, accountability, and sustainability.
The decision reflects a growing recognition that development plans must move beyond government documents to become citizen-owned instruments of transformation.
From Vision to Action
As part of the outcomes of the Convention, Progressive Abia Youths will:
Drive grassroots awareness and citizen education on the development plan
Facilitate youth-led monitoring and accountability mechanisms
Engage government and stakeholders through policy dialogue and evidence-based advocacy
Mobilize young people across communities to align initiatives with the state’s long-term development priorities
A Call to Collective Responsibility
Speaking on the development, the President of Progressive Abia Youths, Mr. Daberechi Kingsley Ekejiuba emphasized that the adoption is not symbolic; it is rather a commitment to action.
“This is no longer just a government plan. It is now the youth plan. And as young people, we are taking responsibility to ensure that this vision translates into measurable impact across all sectors of Abia State.”
Setting a National Precedent
This move positions Abia State as a model for youth-driven governance and participatory development in Nigeria and across Africa, demonstrating what is possible when young people are organized, informed, and intentional.
Read their Review and Adoption Here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NJJbZzXogzWNHpRBfijQ82Lxva_4M5AA/view?usp=drivesdk
About Progressive Abia Youths (PAY)
Progressive Abia Youths is a youth-led, non-partisan civic organization committed to promoting active citizenship, accountable governance, and sustainable development in Abia State and beyond.
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