ENGINEER CHINEDU ORJI: TEACHING THE YOUTHS HOW TO FISH

ENGINEER CHINEDUM ORJI: TEACHING THE YOUTHS HOW TO FISH

Before I proceed on pouring accolades on Engr. Chinedum Orji, I wish to refer to a wise counsel by the first president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rt.  Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Owelle Onitsha and Zik of Africa of blessed memory who said and I quote, “whatever you are, aspire to be the best, if you choose to be the grass, be the best grass by the valley bed, in whatever profession you find yourself, create an impact recognizable by the society you belong.” It is therefore appropriate to say that Engr. Chinedum Orji has made this wise counsel from the Zik of Africa his watch-word.

One of the major parameters of measuring a strong and stable nation is its ability to create employment. Usually, a country is considered to be socially and politically stable if it has a very stable employment basis. Interestingly, this great height can only be achieved through employment generation which plays a vital role in the economy of the nation, thus translating into a stable politically economy.

Unfortunately, the socio-economic and political development of the Nigerian state is being hampered by the high-unemployment rate. This trend if allowed to continue will definitely lead us to avoidable unemployment crisis.

Therefore, when at the instance of Engr. Chinedum Orji, the Ochendo Youth Foundation engaged Abia youths numbering over six thousand (6,000) in empowerment exercise; observers were quick to praise the idea, describing Engr. Chinedum Orji’s vision as timely and courageous.

The empowerment which started with the payment of monthly stipends and distribution of free micro credit funds to youths across the length and breadth of the state, gradually moved into the distribution of artisan support equipment. Some of the empowerment materials given out under the youth empowerment programme are: vehicles, tricycles, sewing machines, generating sets, sets of clippers, call-center equipment, grinding machines, wrappers among others. This will culminate in job creation and youth empowerment in the state.

Engr. Chinedum Orji has been teaching Abia youths how to fish through his Ochendo Youth Foundation. A non-governmental organization funded by corporate bodies and well-to-do individuals. Engr. Chinedum Orji’s action is a step in the right direction, which if emulated by other Abians, will catapult the state into a hub of employment in the Country. This is called, teaching the youths ‘how to catch fish and not just giving them fish.’

Engr. Chinedum Orji through the Ochendo Youth Foundation has consistently demonstrated that he is not only a responsible citizen of the country, but also committed to the transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration with regards to job creation. Consequently, it is most appropriate to say that Engr. Chinedum Orji is a distinguished breed, an illustrious and indefatigable gentleman whose sense of patriotism and human kindness is second to none. His actions are worthy of emulation by all and sundry. I salute a great man of history and destiny.

In conclusion, let me refer to a quote by a former American president, Harry S. Truman (1945-1953) who admonished thus; “do your duty and history will do you justice.” Every Abia nay Nigerian youth is expected to key into the wise counsel of Harry S. Truman by emulating Engr. Chinedum Orji. They are expected to be patriotic in their dealings: contributing their quota to the achievement of the transformation agenda with regards to employment generation, thus teaching the youths how to fish. Only then will they become the trustees of posterity and their footprints remain in the sands of time.