Rep Okonkwo Urges Govt, Youths to Turn the Nation from Consumption to Production Economy
…Warns youths against being used as tools for violence
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Member representing Idemili North/ Idemili South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo has urged the government at all levels and the young people to move toward turning the country’s economy from consumption to production economy.
Hon. Okonkwo who chairs the House Ad-hoc Committee investigating disbursement and utilization of Central Bank of Nigeria’s loan for National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) in chat with journalists over the 65th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria said opportunities abound in order to make Nigeria’s economy a production economy.
“The world is fast-changing. Nations that thrive are those investing in technology, innovation, and education. Nigerian youths must lead the charge. With your creativity, coding skills, digital entrepreneurship, and technological innovation, you can transform our economy from consumption to production. Do not wait for opportunities abroad alone—create them here. Tech hubs, startups, fintech, artificial intelligence, and digital media are the future.
“Sports and entertainment are not mere hobbies; they are industries that create wealth, build character, and unite our people. Youths must continue to channel energy into excellence, discipline, and teamwork. Through sportsmanship and creativity, you can rewrite Nigeria’s story to the world.
“True leadership begins with service. I urge every young Nigerian to see himself as a community builder. Be involved in volunteering, skill-sharing, mentorship, and social projects that uplift lives. A single act of kindness, teaching, or mentoring can ripple into a thousand blessings for our nation. When you take responsibility for your environment, you secure not only your neighborhood but also the nation.
“Politics is too important to be left to a few. Nigerian youths must wake up to the power of their numbers and their voices. Register to vote. Participate in debates. Join political parties, not as tools for violence, but as advocates for justice and progress. Election season must not be a time when youths are used as thugs and pawns by political manipulators. Say no to violence, no to ballot snatching, no to manipulation. Instead, rise as defenders of democracy. Let your votes and your voices speak louder than money politics.
“Our nation faces security challenges that threaten our unity and survival. But security is not only the work of soldiers and police—it is also the duty of every citizen. Youths must be vigilant in their communities, resist involvement in cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality. Remember, no nation can rise when its future generation is imprisoned by crime. Instead of being agents of destruction, be ambassadors of peace. Report suspicious activities. Engage in dialogue. Promote reconciliation. Peace is the soil on which development grows.
“Nigeria’s strength is her diversity. We must shun the voices that divide us along ethnic and religious lines. Whether Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Tiv, Idoma, Fulani, Ijaw, or any other, we are stronger together. Let us stop seeing ourselves through tribal lenses and start seeing ourselves as one people bound by a common destiny. The youth must lead in building bridges across divides, in showing tolerance, in celebrating unity”, he said.
Okonkwo warned that no one should be deceived into thinking that corruption, shortcuts, and lawlessness are the way. “They are not. The way forward is integrity, hard work, creativity, service, and faith in our country.”
