ASTUC Youth Wing Honours Idemili South Role Models, Declares Support for Iyiegbu
By Ukpa Ewa
The Anambra State Town Unions Council Youth Wing (ASTUC Youth) has honoured outstanding community role models in Idemili South Local Government Area to promote shared community values, youth development and community growth.
The second edition of the role model celebration and award presentation was held at the Idemili South Local Government Headquarters, Ojoto, with distinguished personalities recognised for their contributions to society.
Speaking at the event, ASTUC Youth President, Comrade Ken Okoli, said the programme was designed to sustain the recognition of individuals making positive contributions to their communities. He explained that the organisation would continue to monitor the activities of award recipients, celebrate their achievements and engage them on issues concerning their conduct and contributions to society. He added that subsequent editions would build on the achievements of the programme.
Okoli disclosed that the award recipients were nominated by youth leaders in their respective communities, emphasising that the celebration was aimed at promoting positive values and leadership qualities among young people. He also declared that the seven communities in Idemili South LGA would support Hon. Ikenna Iyiegbu, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Idemili North and Idemili South Federal House of Representatives.
Delivering his welcome address, the Youth Mayor of Nnokwa, Idemili South LGA, Comrade Ifeanyi Eriobu Anakuba, said the awards recognised the recipients’ leadership qualities and contributions to society, noting that their accomplishments serve as inspiration for young people to embrace exemplary leadership and contribute to community development.
On his part, the chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Mayor of Idemili South LGA, Mr. Ifeanyi Anakuba, described the area as a hub of empowerment and urged youths to study their role models, understand their values and emulate their positive attributes.
He encouraged young people to channel their energy into productive ventures, stressing that youth activism should focus on value creation rather than violence, restiveness and other negative tendencies. He further urged the award recipients to uphold integrity and serve as positive examples, stressing that their conduct could influence the choices and behaviour of younger generations.
The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha, who was represented by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Value Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, commended the youths for organising the event and pledged continued support for their programmes. The presentation also featured a portrait of the 12 core values associated with the state’s value reformation agenda.
Other award recipients, recognised as pillars of youth development and icons of hope, included Amb. Chinedu Okonkwo, Chief Emeka Omemma, Chief Chidi Ogbuefi, Engr. Nwamara Joackin, Chief Ogochukwu Chukwuneke, Obi Chukwu and Chief Ifeanyi Onwupenata.
