The Anambra State Government has announced plans to withdraw official recognition from youth organisations that fail to comply with the 18-to-35-year age limit from January 1, 2027.
The policy requires youth associations, organisations and institutions operating youth-specific programmes and leadership structures to review their membership and leadership arrangements before the deadline.
The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Onenugha, disclosed this in a press release dated October 15, 2026, stating that the Ministry of Youth Development and relevant government agencies would no longer recognise non-compliant organisations from the effective date.
Onenugha said the measure was designed to ensure that opportunities reserved for young people reach eligible beneficiaries, while promoting fairness, participation and leadership development among the younger generation.
He urged youth organisations and other stakeholders to use the transition period to adjust their membership records, leadership structures and operational guidelines to meet the prescribed age requirement.
The government clarified that the policy would not prevent citizens above 35 from contributing to youth development, but would distinguish between those eligible to occupy youth-designated positions and older citizens who can provide mentorship and guidance.
According to the statement, the directive forms part of the Soludo administration’s youth reformation agenda, which seeks to promote discipline, productivity, responsibility and values among young people.
The government said the age restriction would apply specifically to programmes, positions and opportunities designated for youths, while encouraging collaboration between younger people and experienced citizens.
The January 1, 2027 deadline gives affected organisations a transition period to align their structures with the policy before enforcement begins.
The announcement places the responsibility on youth groups to determine the eligibility of their members and leaders ahead of the deadline, with continued official recognition dependent on compliance.
The state government said the policy was intended to strengthen youth participation and accountability as part of its broader vision for Anambra State’s development.
