By Olivia Rufus| Owerri, Imo State | November 8, 2025
The Mbano Big Family, a community-based youth development organization in Imo State, celebrated its 5th anniversary with the Mbano Youth 5.0 Summit, a vibrant gathering of young leaders, educators, and development advocates held in Owerri, Imo State.
This year’s summit, themed “The 21st Century Mbano Youth – A Reflective Action Plan,” reflected on the organization’s five years of impact and its ongoing mission to educate, enlighten, and empower young people across Mbano.
Empowering Youth Through Action, Not Waiting
The convener of the initiative, Mr. Magnus Agbakwo, described the event as a platform for young people to discuss practical ways to build a better future for themselves without waiting for government support.
“This is a call for young people to help themselves and others, no matter how small their beginnings,” Agbake said. “You don’t need to wait for sponsors or elders. Start with what you have people will support you when they see your consistency. Not everyone started big; some began from scratch and grew into great success stories.”
According to him, the Mbano Youth Summit serves as a mentorship and empowerment forum that encourages self-employment, business innovation, and skill development among youth.
Experts Urge Youths to Embrace Skills and Digital Innovation
Representing the Vice Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Associate Professor Ndidi Amaka Uwazuruike, Acting Director of Career Services and Counselling, commended the initiative as “super inspiring” and praised the determination of Mbano youths to build themselves and their communities.
Uwazuruike also disclosed that the world has moved from certificates to skills, noting that today’s economy values creativity from catering and fashion design to technology and remote work. Young people must develop practical skills that help them thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Gender Equity and Leadership Inclusion
Delivering a lecture on Gender Equity in Education, Employment, and Leadership, Harriet Ijeomah, Managing Director of Harsco Global, called on the youth to champion women’s inclusion and development in leadership and governance.
She emphasized the importance of supporting the Reserved Seat Bill for Women, which seeks to increase women’s representation in political offices and decision-making spaces.
Gender equity is not a women’s fight alone,” Ijeomah noted. “It’s a collective responsibility that drives fairness, innovation, and inclusive growth. When women rise, communities thrive. Youths must support this cause by advocating, mentoring, and promoting equal opportunities for women.
Youths Called to Act
Participants at the event expressed deep appreciation for the summit’s impact. Hope Bunka, one of the attendees, described it as “a life-changing platform” that motivated her to act.
We can’t keep waiting for the government,” she said. “Every youth has what it takes to start small, grow, and make a difference. This summit reminded us that we are the platform we need.”
The event concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility and youth-driven solutions to unemployment, insecurity, and underdevelopment across Mbano communities and beyond.
Other dignitaries present are Princess Miriam Onuoha, Federal House of Representative representing Okigwe Zone, Dr. Uchenna Ekwelike, Executive secretary to Imo State Health Insurance Policy, Engr. Diala Chibukem, Executive Director IHTEF, Isikaku Ndubuisi Kingsley, a Content Creator, Bro Emmanuel Okemmadu, Gospel Musician and Others
