Lilu killings: Key Community Stakeholders shun Youth Dev Conference on way forward

 

By Chuks Collins

Stakeholders to the scheduled 2-day Lilu community development conference which commenced Friday, January 10,2026 and continued today have stayed away.

The young persons of Lilu community in Ihiala Council of Anambra State under the aegis of Youth Development Forum (LYDF) organized its maiden conference with the theme "Productive Youths, Peaceful Community" on way out of the five years brigandage and terror constantly being unleashed on her citizens.

The ugly situation, they reasoned was as a result of unemployment and lack of education and skills.

The conference which held at Conference Hall of Ihiala Local Government Secretariat attracted youths of Lilu and neighboring communities of Anambra and Imo States.

Unfortunately the key stakeholders including Igwe Godson Onyediri, the member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency -Paschal Agbodike; security agencies, the Churches, the State and Local Government officials.

At the Friday's opening ceremony, no plausible excuse was given on their individual behalf. Some had believed they would turn up today. Incidentally none again attended or sent representative.

Lilu, according to one of it's youth leaders and spokesperson who gave his name simply as Emeka(because of security reasons) has been in the unfortunate grips of insurgency. 

The insurgents have been launching attacks on the community killing/kidnapping citizens, robbing and torching properties.

The community consequently embarked on a peaceful protest against what they described as neglect by the Anambra State government over their plight in the past five years. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Solo Chukwulobelu who received them on behalf of Gov Chukwuma Soludo urged them to embark on intensive prayers.

Speaking during the conference, Chairman of Lilu Youths Development Forum (LYDF), Mr. Chinedu Ezeifedi, said the conference was not only an honour to Lilu but a powerful statement of unity, hope, and shared commitment to the future of the community.

"We have come together at a defining moment in our history, marked by challenges and opportunities," he said. Mr. Ezeifedi emphasized that the campaign is a call to collective responsibility, urging traditional leaders, political leaders, and business leaders to support inclusive politics, genuine youth engagement, partnership investment, and opportunities that can unlock the productive potential of the youth in the town.

That the LYDF was established to serve as a platform for positive youth engagement, leadership development, skill acquisition, peace advocacy, and community-driven solutions. "This conference marks the beginning of a structured, sustained effort to reposition the youth as partners in development, rather than spectators of governance," he added.

The chairman highlighted some achievements of the LYDF, including unity among youths in Lilu training and deployment of 25 developed security volunteers to complement existing security efforts, and procurement of a Toyota Tacoma Patrol Truck and five motorcycles dedicated to security operations.

Chief Felix C. Ojukwu from Umuzu village encouraged every Lilu citizen to embrace peace and eschew evil, preaching peace among neighbours for growth and development.

The conference was aimed at promoteling peace, stability, and development in the community, with a focus on empowering youths to become agents of change. 

One of the key trouble spot that they considered was the issue of leadership  of the town union.It was highlighted  that all those interested in any executive position who are qualified should indicate  when the time comes.