WELCOME ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE SOUTH EAST COALITION OF NIGERIAN YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES TO THE RENEWED HOPE NATIONAL YOUTH TOUR TEAM DURING THE SOUTH-EAST ENGAGEMENT HELD IN IMO STATE, 13TH–14TH MARCH, 2026
Protocol.
On behalf of the South East Coalition of Nigerian Youth with Disabilities and the vibrant community of young Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across the five states of the South-East geopolitical zone, I warmly welcome the distinguished members of the Renewed Hope National Youth Tour Team to Imo State, the Eastern Heartland.
Today’s gathering represents more than just a formal engagement. It is a moment of connection, inspiration, and renewed commitment to the future of Nigerian youth, particularly young persons with disabilities in the South-East region. We are deeply honoured that Imo State has been selected as a strategic destination for this important national initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilization, youth inclusion, and meaningful participation in governance.
Let me begin by expressing our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire millions of young Nigerians to believe once again in the promise and potential of our great nation. His administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, economic growth, and inclusive governance reflects the kind of visionary leadership required in a rapidly evolving global and digital economy.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Vice President Kashmir Shettima, GCON, whose dedication to national development and youth inclusion continues to strengthen the implementation of the Renewed Hope vision across the country.
In a special way, we recognize and commend the leadership of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, GSSR, GSGI, Executive Governor of Imo State, whose administration has consistently demonstrated commitment to youth development, inclusive governance, and the empowerment of special citizens. His partnership with the Federal Government continues to position Imo State as a hub for opportunity, innovation, and youth engagement in the South-East.
In same vain, we sincerely commend and express our heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, for his unwavering commitment to advancing the rights, welfare, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across Nigeria. His dedication to ensuring that persons with disabilities are meaningfully represented in national conversations, policies, and development initiatives reflects a strong commitment to the ideals of equity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all Nigerians. We particularly appreciate his efforts in championing inclusive governance and creating platforms that amplify the voices and contributions of persons with disabilities in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Permit me also to acknowledge Barr. Seyi Tinubu, founder of the City Boy Movement, whose dedication to youth mobilization and national unity has inspired many young Nigerians to actively participate in nation-building and civic engagement.
Our appreciation also goes to Hon. Shoga Francis Oluwatosin, Director-General of the City Boy Movement, whose strategic leadership continues to expand the reach and impact of this youth-driven platform across the country.
We equally celebrate one of the prides of the South-East, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), South-East Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, whose influence and commitment to entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and community development continue to inspire countless young people across this region.
Furthermore, we recognize the energetic leadership of Hon. Paschal Chibuike Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest), the Imo State Director of the City Boy Movement, whose passion for youth mobilization and grassroots engagement continues to strengthen youth participation within our state.
Distinguished guests, the South-East region is rich in talent, resilience, and innovation. Across sectors such as entrepreneurship, technology, education, and culture, our young people are making remarkable contributions to national development. For young persons with disabilities, opportunities like the Renewed Hope National Youth Tour are particularly significant, as they create platforms for engagement, policy awareness, and inclusive participation in the national development process.
We therefore commend the Federal Government for creating avenues through which youth voices—including those of persons with disabilities—can be heard, engaged, and empowered.
In a very special way, we express our deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his administration’s commitment to promoting the welfare, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across Nigeria. Through policies that strengthen institutional support and encourage inclusive participation in governance and economic development, the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to reinforce the principle that no Nigerian should be left behind.
As the South East Coalition of Nigerian Youth with Disabilities, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting this vision by promoting civic responsibility, leadership development, and active participation of young persons with disabilities in nation-building. We remain ready to collaborate with government institutions, civil society organizations, and youth platforms to ensure that the voices and contributions of young persons with disabilities in the South-East are recognized and integrated into national development efforts.
As we host this important engagement, we hope that this visit will deepen dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and inspire practical pathways that will empower young Nigerians—including persons with disabilities—to contribute meaningfully to the progress, unity, and prosperity of our great nation.
Once again, I warmly welcome the Renewed Hope National Youth Tour Team to Imo State, the Eastern Heartland.
May your engagements here be fruitful, your discussions impactful, and your stay in our state memorable.
Thank you, and may
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Hon. Dr. Samuelson Emehibe, JP
Imo State PWD Leader
City Boy Movement
Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Citizens
