Labour Party governorship candidate in Abia State, Hon. Ceekay Igara, has felicitated with young people across the state as the world marks International Youth Day, describing youths as critical drivers of industry, commerce and development in Abia.
Igara, in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, praised the resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Abia youths, particularly those contributing to the state’s economic growth through business, technology, manufacturing and other enterprises.
According to him, young people are not merely participants in Abia’s development story but are actively shaping its future.
He specifically referenced the commercial energy associated with Aba, noting that young entrepreneurs across the city and the wider state continue to demonstrate what can be achieved through hard work and ingenuity.
“Our youths are not spectators in the story of Abia’s greatness, rather they are its authors,” Igara said, highlighting the contributions of young people from the workshops of Ariaria to the emerging digital economy.
Igara Calls for Peace as Political Activities Intensify
The Labour Party governorship candidate also used the occasion to caution Abia youths against allowing political activities to provoke violence or division as the next electoral season approaches.
Igara urged young people to reject attempts to use them as instruments of political violence, stressing that the peace and stability of Abia should remain a collective priority.
He appealed to youths to remain peaceful and focused on productive ventures rather than becoming involved in activities that could undermine the state.
“Abia’s peace is not negotiable. You are too valuable to be used and discarded. You are nation-builders, not political tools,” he stated.
Youth Empowerment at the Centre of Igara’s Agenda
Igara further reiterated his commitment to a governorship agenda focused on youth empowerment, industrial revival and the overall development of Abia State.
He encouraged young people to pursue enterprise, unity, discipline and purposeful leadership, arguing that these qualities would position them to compete effectively on the national and global stage.
The governorship candidate concluded by congratulating Abia youths on International Youth Day and expressing his hope that their efforts and contributions would translate into greater opportunities and rewards.
Read Full press Release below
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2026
HON. CEEKAY IGARA JOINS THE WORLD TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY, HAILS ABIA YOUTHS AS ENGINE OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE IN THE STATE.
As the world marks International Youth Day, I join millions across the globe in celebrating the resilience, creativity, and enterprise of young people everywhere and today, my heart is especially full for the youths of our dear Abia State.
Our youths are not spectators in the story of Abia’s greatness , rather they are its authors. From the workshops of Ariaria to the digital economy, from tailoring to tech, Abia’s young people have shown the world what industry and ingenuity look like. You have carried the Aba spirit that unmistakable commercial mindedness on your backs and turned it into a name respected across Nigeria and beyond.
I pray, without ceasing, that your sweat translates to reward, and that your labour finally receives the honour it deserves.
A Call to Peace as Campaigns Begin
As we approach a new electoral season and campaigns begin to gather pace across our state, I make this appeal to you with all the love of a father and a brother: do not let anyone turn your energy into a weapon against your own state. Abia’s peace is not negotiable. You are too valuable to be used and discarded. You are nation-builders, not political tools, and no campaign mine included is worth the unrest of the Gods Own State.
My Charge to You
I charge you, my brothers and sisters, to remain peaceful, resolute, and God-fearing as we move through this season. Let your hands remain on the plough of enterprise, not the machinery of chaos. Be resolute in purpose, peaceful in conduct, and firm in your faith. You deserve a seat at the global table and that seat is earned through industry, unity, and discipline, not division.
I remain committed to a governorship agenda anchored on youth empowerment, industrial revival, and a peaceful, prosperous Abia State that stands tall among its peers, nationally and globally.
Happy International Youth Day, Abia.
Hon. Ceekay Igara
The David of Abia
Labour Party Governorship candidate, Abia State.
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