Nagaland: Tovihoto urges SOUD to empower youth

Advisor of Tribal Affairs and Election, Tovihoto Ayemi on Saturday called upon the Sumi Officers Union Dimapur (SOUD) to rescue unemployed youth through strategic roadmaps, nurture private-sector talent, and drive society forward with seminars, training, and initiatives.
Speaking at the general meeting-cum-Baghi Hoho of SOUD at Lhomithi Hall, Western Sümi Hoho ki Chekiye Village, Tovihoto emphasized agriculture as a sustainable livelihood option.
He urged officers to lead by example, tap resources, unite for advancement, and build ties with other Naga communities. “If the Sumi community prospers, the Naga community prospers,” he stated, underscoring the importance of inter-community alliances for collective prosperity.
The meeting began with an invocation by Israel G. Xuivi, followed by reports from general secretary Kitoho Michael Swu and finance secretary Sukhai Zhimomi. Convenor of the Resolution Committee, Karen Yepthomi, presented key resolutions which were unanimously adopted.
These included continuing sponsorship of the Western Sumi Totimi Hoho’s scholarship programme for 10 aspirants, assisting the Sumi Literature Board (SLB) in publishing 60 books for undergraduate courses, drafting a constitution for the Sumi Officers Union Nagaland, and strengthening federating units in Zunheboto, Kohima, and Dimapur.
In her presidential address, SOUD president Y. Ruth Muru reminded officers of their accountability to society, stressing integrity and purposeful leadership. She highlighted the need to curb extravagant lifestyles at public functions, advocating instead for impactful initiatives. Muru expressed gratitude for the support of her executives and acknowledged the wisdom shared by special guest Ayemi.
Greetings were also extended by Vikato Shikhu, general secretary of Western Sumi Hoho, who urged SOUD to act as ambassadors of peace and unity among Naga communities.
Hokali V. Chishi, president of Western Sumi Totimi Hoho, thanked SOUD for supporting scholarship aspirants, while SLB chairman Vihoshe Mürü emphasized the union’s role in advancing Sumi literature and education.
The session concluded with the election of new office bearers for the 2026–27 tenure, led by president L. Atopu Sumi and general secretary Dr. Ithika C. Swu. Newly elected president Atopu expressed gratitude to the search committee and called for collective support to advance the union and community.