By Ukpa Ewa
The Anambra State Town Unions Council Youth Wing (ASTUC Youth) has honoured distinguished personalities in Idemili South Local Government Area(LGA) for their contributions to community development, youth empowerment and exemplary leadership.
The second edition of the role model celebration and award presentation took place at the Idemili South Local Government Headquarters, Ojoto, bringing together community leaders, youth representatives and other stakeholders to celebrate individuals whose achievements inspire positive change.
Speaking at the event, the President of ASTUC Youth, Comrade Ken Okoli, said the initiative was designed to recognise outstanding individuals, promote positive values and encourage young people to emulate exemplary leadership.
He explained that the organisation would continue to monitor the activities of award recipients, celebrate their achievements and engage them on issues relating to their conduct and contributions to society, adding that subsequent editions would build on the progress recorded so far.
Okoli disclosed that youth leaders in the respective communities nominated the award recipients, noting that the initiative was aimed at promoting responsible leadership and encouraging young people to contribute meaningfully to community development.
He declared the organisation’s support for Hon. Ikenna Iyiegbu, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the Idemili North and Idemili South Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, stating that the seven communities in Idemili South would support his candidacy.
In his welcome address, the Youth Mayor of Nnokwa, Idemili South LGA, Comrade Ifeanyi Eriobu Anakuba, said the awards celebrated individuals whose leadership qualities and achievements provided positive examples for younger generations.
He urged young people to learn from the accomplishments of the honourees, embracing values that promote responsible leadership, service and community advancement.
The chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Mayor of Idemili South LGA, Mr. Ifeanyi Anakuba, described the area as a centre of empowerment, encouraging young people to study their role models, understand their values and adopt their positive attributes.
He cautioned youths against violence, restiveness and other destructive behaviours, urging them to channel their energy into productive ventures and initiatives that create value in society.
Anakuba encouraged the award recipients to uphold integrity and remain worthy ambassadors of the values for which they were honoured, stressing that their conduct could significantly influence the choices and aspirations of younger people.
The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha, represented by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Value Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, commended the organisers for promoting positive leadership and youth development.
He pledged continued support for the group’s programmes. The event featured the presentation of a portrait depicting the 12 core values associated with the state’s value reformation agenda.
Other recipients honoured for their contributions to youth development and community advancement included Amb. Chinedu Okonkwo, Chief Emeka Omemma, Chief Chidi Ogbuefi, Engr. Nwamara Joackin, Chief Ogochukwu Chukwuneke, Obi Chukwu and Chief Ifeanyi Onwupenata.
The initiative underscores the importance of recognising community role models and encouraging young people to embrace integrity, service and responsible leadership as essential ingredients for sustainable development.
Ukpa Ewa is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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