In a major drive to fight youth unemployment and societal decay in Nigeria, the Prof. Uzoma Foundation for Justice and Equity (PUFJE) empowered 1,000 young people across Imo State during its 4th Annual Public Lecture and Founder’s Birthday Celebration.
The event, themed “Youth Development and Nation Building,” was held on April 26, 2025, and attracted prominent figures including the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere; humanitarian advocate Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi; traditional rulers; government officials; leaders of the National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS); members of Students’ Union Governments; academia, and other stakeholders.
Addressing the audience, the founder, Prof. Protus Uzoma, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries present and thanked God for the gift of life as he marked another year. He recounted the Foundation’s journey since its establishment in 2012, emphasizing its commitment to empowering youths through various skill acquisition programs and offering pro bono legal services—particularly for young inmates incarcerated for minor offenses.
Prof. Uzoma highlighted a notable case involving a young man who had been detained for years over the theft of just two tubers of yam, reflecting the urgency of providing second chances for such individuals. “Our focus has been on ensuring that these young people are not just released, but are set up for a better future,” he said.
The Foundation also presented a list of inmates from the correctional centre who are slated for imminent release, a move Prof. Uzoma described as a step towards rehabilitation and reintegration. He called on the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to urgently intervene in constructing the Umuaka to Isu-Njaba Road, to improve accessibility for rural communities.
Director of PUFJE, Engr. Obioma, lauded Prof. Uzoma’s relentless efforts, noting that the Foundation has consistently empowered youths across various local government areas and remains committed to expanding its reach.
Chairman of the occasion, General Collins Ihekaire (Rtd.), urged the public and private sectors to support the Foundation’s initiatives. “The investment we make in our youth today will define the future of our nation,” he emphasized.
Prof. Uzoma encouraged young Nigerians to embrace skills in technology, agriculture, media, and other sectors, noting that while education remains vital, skill acquisition is crucial in a system where formal education alone no longer guarantees success.
The event served not only as a celebration of individual achievement but as a rallying call for collective action towards youth empowerment and national development.
