The Executive Director of Orlu Progressive Initiative (OPI), Comrade Ikechukwu Nwabueze, has emphasized the importance of fighting against drug abuse and cybercrime to create opportunities for young people and promote responsible leadership. He made this statement in his keynote address at the 2026 South-East Peace and Stability Summit organised by OPI at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, Imo State. Nwabueze identified drug abuse and cybercrime as two growing challenges affecting young people in the region.
According to Nwabueze, drug abuse is destroying lives, families, and communities, while cybercrime is damaging the reputation of young people, undermining trust, and exposing them to criminal networks. He stressed that an entire generation should not be stigmatised because of the actions of a minority. Nwabueze also noted that unemployed young people without direction, mentorship, or leadership training could become vulnerable to manipulation.
Nwabueze called on leaders to invest in youths through employment, empowerment, vocational training, entrepreneurship programmes, technology, and digital skills, rather than relying on speeches and political promises. He advocated for deliberate youth employment policies that would shift the focus from youth mobilisation to youth development. This, he believes, will help move young people from being mobilised for elections to being prepared for leadership.
The OPI executive director also spoke on the 2027 elections, calling for peaceful political participation. He emphasized that political competition and disagreement should not lead to violence. Nwabueze urged political parties, supporters, government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, and women to commit themselves to peaceful elections.
In addition to his call for peaceful elections, Nwabueze also advocated for stronger cooperation among the five South-East states through economic integration, security cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, and stronger regional institutions. He described the 2026 South-East Peace and Stability Summit as a call for conscience, unity, leadership, and action.
The traditional ruler of Uwaorie Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Eze Dr Abanus Ozuruoha, commended the organisers for convening the summit, describing its theme as apt for promoting peace among individuals and communities. Ozuruoha urged people to invest in peace, stressing that peace was not merely the absence of war but should also address equity and social justice.
The summit was attended by several notable individuals, including a representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, Office of the SGF, Mrs Olisa Stella Marries. The event aimed to promote peace and stability in the South-East region, with a focus on building sustainable peace for a prosperous future.
Key points
- The fight against drug abuse and cybercrime can help create opportunities for young people and promote responsible leadership.
- Deliberate youth employment policies can help move young people from being mobilised for elections to being prepared for leadership.
- Stronger cooperation among the five South-East states can be achieved through economic integration, security cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, and stronger regional institutions.
