By Ukpa Ewa
The Anambra State Town Union Councils Youth Wing (ASTUC Youths) has honoured ten distinguished individuals from Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA) for their contributions to community development and service.
The award ceremony held at Neni Town Hall, attracted community leaders, youths and other stakeholders with the honourees selected from the ten communities in the LGA.
Speaking at the event, President General of ASTUC Youths, Comrade Ken Okoli, said the programme was designed to celebrate individuals who exemplify the values of Onye Anambra and provide positive role models for the younger generation.
Okoli stated that the initiative promotes the 12 core values of Ndi Anambra, including the fear of God, patriotism, self reliance, discipline, truth, liberty, justice and dignity of labour. According to him, identifying people who uphold these values would encourage youths to emulate their contributions to society.
The ASTUC Youths president said the event was also in line with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for youth development and good governance in the state. He disclosed that Anaocha was the tenth local government visited under the programme, adding that the group would extend it to the remaining eleven local government areas.
Delivering his welcome address, the Commissioner for Health and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Afam Obidike said the state government had invested in schemes aimed at improving the welfare and prospects of youths particularly in education and healthcare. He said such interventions were intended to equip young people to become responsible citizens and ambassadors of the state.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Anaocha LGA, Mr. Rome Ibekwe, described the award given to him as an encouragement to individuals who had demonstrated commitment, sacrifice and dedication to community service. He urged youths to take up responsibilities in their communities and disclosed that his administration had embarked on projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.
One of the awardees, Barrister Ndubisi Obiadi, thanked ASTUC Youths for the recognition and described it as an honour. He advised youths to uphold good morals and remain committed to doing what was right, irrespective of the circumstances they encounter.
Similarly, the immediate past Mayor of Anaocha, Dr. Gerald Ozoh, called on youths to engage in activities that would promote their families and communities.
Another awardee, Barrister Chukwudi Oli, said the recognition came with the responsibility to live a life worthy of emulation. He stressed the importance of discipline, noting that a role model must be someone whose conduct others can confidently learn from.
Oli further advocated for greater unity among youths, saying that a united youth population would contribute significantly to peace, security and development in the society. He encouraged youths to carefully consider their choices ahead of the forthcoming elections and vote for leaders capable of advancing the interests of their communities.
The event climaxed with the presentation of the Anambra Youth Community Development Awards to outstanding individuals, alongside cultural displays showcasing the rich heritage of the people of Anaocha.
Ukpa Ewa is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation Anambra State.
