Solve Unemployment, Solve Electoral Violence in Nigeria, Ogalagu Tells Ohaukwu Youths, Signs Peace Accord with 2027 Rivals

APGA candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Barr. Tochukwu Ogalagu, aka T-Man, has declared that unemployment is the root of insecurity, saying job creation for youths is the fastest way to end election violence in Nigeria.

Ogalagu made the remark on Saturday at a high-stakes interactive forum organized by the Ohaukwu Youth General Assembly at Grace Garden and Event Centre, Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA.

The forum brought 2027 aspirants from different parties face-to-face with youths to defend their plans and answer tough questions. Youth leaders, community stakeholders, security agencies and the media also attended.

Organisers said the goal was to promote peaceful politics, issue-based campaigns and accountability ahead of the elections. The event ended with all participating aspirants signing a peace and non-violence accord.

National President of the Assembly, Comrade Emmanuel Onah, said the platform gives youths direct access to assess aspirants’ competence, vision and readiness for service.

Onah noted the Assembly is the first to unite youths from Ezzamgbo, Ngbo, Effium and Ezza-Effium under one umbrella. The group has also helped reduce cultism, drug abuse and youth restiveness in the area.

“The relative peace we enjoy must not be traded for political violence,” Onah warned. “We want our mothers to sleep with both eyes closed. We want development, unity and peaceful coexistence. That’s why we asked candidates to tell youths what they offer before asking for votes.”

He, however, condemned aspirants who ignored the invitation, saying their absence showed disrespect for the same youths whose votes they will seek.

Commending the initiative, Ogalagu described youths as “the strength and future of any nation.” He pledged that youth empowerment and employment would be his top priority if elected.

The APGA candidate listed projects he has executed without holding office: WAEC registration for over 2,000 students, scholarships for indigent pupils, free medical interventions and payment of hospital bills for countless patients.

Other aspirants also unveiled their plans during the engagement.