JUSTIN; ENUGU CSDA BOSS RECEIVES SOUTHEAST AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNER, EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

 Enugu, Nigeria — The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, has received Miss Felix Favour Chinecherem, winner of the Southeast Aviation Scholarship Competition, during a courtesy visit to his office in Enugu.

Miss Chinecherem, who hails from Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, emerged winner of the competition after defeating other contestants from across the Southeast. The initiative seeks to address the underrepresentation of young people from the region in the aviation industry by creating opportunities for aviation education, professional training and career development.

She was accompanied on the visit by the Executive Director of the Eastwing Youth Foundation, Mr. Christian Agadibe, and the Founder and Director-General of the United Women for Peace and Sustainable Progress Initiative, Amb. Vera Chinonye Okadigbo.

The meeting focused on possible areas of collaboration in aviation education, vocational training, peacebuilding, community development, and youth and women empowerment.

Eastwing Youth Foundation Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Development

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Agadibe highlighted the Eastwing Youth Foundation's commitment to skills acquisition, poverty reduction, community empowerment and the development of young people.

He explained that the Southeast Aviation Scholarship Competition was designed to open doors for talented young people who aspire to pursue careers in aviation but may lack the financial resources and institutional support required to achieve their ambitions.

He expressed hope that stronger partnerships with relevant government agencies and development institutions would help expand the initiative's reach and create more opportunities for young people across the Southeast.

Southeast Peace Pillar Summit to Promote Peace and Sustainable Development

In her remarks, Amb. Vera Chinonye Okadigbo presented the proposed Southeast Peace Pillar Summit, scheduled for November 20–21, 2026.

According to her, the summit is aimed at promoting peace, security, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development across the Southeast region.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders, women and youth groups in addressing challenges affecting peace and development.

The proposed summit is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and explore practical approaches to building safer, more peaceful and economically prosperous communities.

CSDA Boss Commends Initiatives, Emphasises Transparency and Partnership

Responding, Hon. Monday Diamond Ani explained that the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency works closely with communities to identify their priority needs and facilitate development projects supported by the World Bank and the Enugu State Government.

He commended the visitors for their initiatives, describing youth empowerment, skills development, peacebuilding and community participation as important areas that contribute to sustainable development.

The CSDA chief executive expressed his readiness to support credible programmes that align with the development agenda of the state, including future editions of the Southeast Aviation Summit and Eastwing Youth Competition, such as SASEYC 3.0, subject to relevant procedures and institutional requirements.

Hon. Ani further stressed that sustainable development requires peace, cooperation, transparency and active participation by all stakeholders.

He encouraged the organisations to maintain proper documentation of their activities, adhere to established official procedures and provide verifiable evidence of their programmes. He noted that accountability and transparency are essential for building public confidence, strengthening institutional partnerships and attracting support from government and development partners.

Aviation Scholarship Winner Praises Governor Peter Mbah's Administration

Speaking during the visit, Miss Felix Favour Chinecherem expressed appreciation for the opportunities available to young people in Enugu State and commended the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for its achievements and commitment to the state's development.

She expressed optimism about her future in the aviation industry, disclosing her ambition to become an aeronautical engineer and a highly accomplished pilot.

Her ambition, she noted, reflects the aspirations of many young Nigerians who are eager to acquire specialised knowledge, develop professional skills and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Her emergence as the Southeast Aviation Scholarship Competition winner represents an important milestone in her journey towards achieving those dreams and serves as an inspiration to other young people, particularly aspiring aviation professionals from the Southeast.

Partnership Expected to Expand Opportunities Across the Southeast

The visitors expressed optimism that the proposed collaboration with the CSDA would help expand access to aviation education, vocational training, peacebuilding initiatives, women and youth empowerment, and community development across Enugu State and the wider Southeast region.

The visit also highlighted the importance of building partnerships between government agencies and credible non-governmental organisations to advance inclusive development and create sustainable opportunities for young people.

As the region continues to explore innovative approaches to human capital development, initiatives such as the Southeast Aviation Scholarship Competition underscore the need to invest in the talents, ambitions and professional aspirations of the next generation.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to exploring practical areas of cooperation that can promote education, peace, empowerment and sustainable community development in Enugu State and beyond.