By Ukpa Ewa
The Anambra State Town Union Councils (ASTUC) Youths have honoured outstanding community role models from the 15 communities in Orumba South Local Government Area as part of efforts to promote shared values, youth development and responsible citizenship across Anambra State on Sept. 13. The event, which attracted community leaders, youths and other stakeholders, was held at the Orumba South Local Government Headquarters under the theme, “Celebrating Our Role Models and Shared Values as Ndi Anambra.”
Addressing participants, the President of ASTUC Youths, Comrade Ken Okoli, said Orumba South was the 11th local government area visited by the group as part of its ongoing value-orientation campaign across the state. Comrade Okoli explained that the initiative was designed to remind young people of the values that define Onye Anambra while recognising individuals whose lives and achievements provide positive examples for younger generations.
He pledged that ASTUC Youths would continue its campaign across all 21 local government areas of the state to ensure that young people understand and uphold the values required to sustain Anambra’s development. According to him, youths would eventually inherit and sustain the foundations being laid by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, stressing that infrastructure and other development projects could only be sustained when citizens, particularly young people, possess the right mindset and values.
He identified the family, religion, education, business, community and government as key components of society, noting that their collective contribution was essential to building a responsible and prosperous state.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion and APGA candidate for Orumba South Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Sir Stanislaus Nnaka, described the initiative as remarkable and capable of encouraging more stakeholders to invest in youth development. Sir Nnaka pledged to prioritise youth inclusion if elected, disclosing plans to support youth-oriented skills training and agricultural programmes.
Earlier, the Youth Mayor of Orumba South, Comrade Chidozie Uzor, reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with the local government, traditional institutions, community leaders and ASTUC to improve youth welfare. Uzor urged young people to shun violence, drug abuse, crime and unhealthy rivalry, while advocating greater access to skills acquisition, education, mentorship, employment and business opportunities.
Some of the awardees, including High Chief Vincent Nwankwo of Onneh, Engr. Uche Okoli of Eziagu, Engr. Chimaobi Ucheagwu of Ihite, Dr. Chinedu Maduka of Umunze and Barr. Nicholas Okafor of Owerre-Ezukala, expressed appreciation to ASTUC Youths and their respective communities for the recognition. They encouraged youths to embrace hard work, self-discipline, skills acquisition, financial responsibility and good character as essential ingredients for personal and community development.
Also speaking, a lecturer with Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Mr. Ibeto Michael Uchenna, said the role-model initiative was aimed at exposing young people to positive examples they could emulate rather than encouraging the pursuit of quick wealth.
He urged the youths to prioritise integrity, responsible living and a good reputation over the pursuit of fast money.
The event featured the presentation of a handbook titled “I Believe in Anambra (Our New Value System),” described by the organisers as a guide for promoting good governance, positive values and civic orientation in the state. The programme ended with a declaration of support for Sir Stanislaus Nnaka ahead of the forthcoming Anambra State House of Assembly election.
Ukpa Ewa is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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