…As Igbo-Eze South Chairman’s Wife Urges Greater Investment in Teen Development
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The wife of the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Barr. Mrs Empress Ugo-Ferdinand Zikora, has called for greater commitment toward empowering teenagers with the knowledge, confidence and support needed to realise their full potential.
She made the call on Saturday in Enugu during the 2026 Teens Impact Summit, organised by the Ugo-Ferdinand Foundation in collaboration with Brook Laurels Academy and other partners.
The summit, themed “Built for Impact,” was designed to inspire and equip teenagers with the mindset, faith and leadership values required to become purpose-driven individuals and future leaders.
Addressing the participants, Barr. Mrs Ugo-Ferdinand explained that the initiative was created to provide a platform where teenagers can discover their potential, build confidence, gain clarity about their future and understand the influence they possess to shape society.
She emphasised that exposure, guidance and the right mindset often determine the difference between teenagers who succeed and those who struggle.
According to her, every great leader, innovator and nation builder was once a young person with a dream, noting that nurturing such dreams through mentorship and education remains critical to building a better society.
“At this summit, you will hear from speakers who will challenge you to think differently, inspire you to dream bigger and equip you with practical wisdom for life,” she told the participants.
Barr. Mrs Ugo-Ferdinand also expressed gratitude to her husband, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, as well as the wife of the Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Mrs Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, and several partners and sponsors for supporting the initiative.
Among the supporting organisations were Custos Care Foundation, Pneuma Domain Ministry International, Korex Pharmacy, Artistry Fort Limited, Fountain Care Media, JRB Foundation, Girls Hub Abuja, David Folarinmi Foundation, TeensTrain Initiative, Favour City Light Properties, Ubiego Foundation, One Hope Child Foundation, and Doxa Mums and Babies, among others.
Speaking during the event, addiction recovery advocate and founder of the Dave Folarinmi Foundation, Mr. David Folarinmi, warned that addiction among children and teenagers must be closely monitored to prevent long-term damage to their growth and wellbeing.
He described addiction as a “vision killer” capable of destroying future aspirations, explaining that drug abuse often leads to deeper dependency. He added that alcohol, gambling and social media addictions are increasingly common among young people and can negatively affect health, finances and relationships if not properly managed.
Also speaking, Vice President of Pneuma Domain Ministry International, Pastor Rhema Clement, emphasised the importance of godliness in raising children, noting that moral and spiritual guidance remains crucial in shaping responsible and purposeful individuals.
She said teaching children the principles of faith and good values would strengthen their spiritual growth and ultimately influence their physical and personal development.
Other speakers at the summit, including Etima Umeh and Ngobiri Abraham, highlighted the importance of equipping young people early with the right knowledge and mindset needed to overcome fear, build resilience and pursue their dreams.
In her keynote address, the wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Barr. Chidimma Egonu, commended the organisers for the impactful initiative.
She reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah remains committed to supporting programmes that promote youth development and improve the wellbeing of residents across the state.