By Michael Ovat
The former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anaocha branch, Barrister Jideofor Okongwu and 11 other illustrious sons of Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State have bagged the “Anambra Community Role Model awards” of the Anambra State Town Unions Council, ASTUC Youth Wing, for their outstanding contributions to the development of their various communities, the Council Area, Anambra State, as well as youth empowerment.
Other awardees which include the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Ben Obidike, Mayor of Anaocha Council Area, Hon Romanus Ibekwe, 2027 APGA house of reps candidate for Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency, Barr Chukwudi Oli, Pioneer President General of ASTUC Youth, Comrade Osita Kingsley Ozalagba, Dr Gerald Ikechukwu Ozor, Barr. Chisom Ugha, Hon Obiadi Ayodele, Chief Cletus Obianodo, Hon Patrick Estate Onyedum, High Chief John Ezeanidike, Engr Cosmas Eweni, were chosen from the ten communities comprises: Neni, Agulu, Aguluzuigbo, Akwaeze, Obeledu, Nri, Adazi-Enu, Adazi- Ani, Adazi-Nnukwu and Ichida that constitute Anaocha Council Area.
Addressing the youths, after receiving the award, the ex-NBA Chairman, Barr Okongwu, reminded the youths of the need to be disciplined, focused and resilient in order to get to the top and become useful to their families, communities and the society as a whole.
Earlier, the President General of ASTUC Youth Wing and the Convener, Comrade Ken Okoli remarked that the agenda of the group revolves round the Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration’s pillars which include security law and order, economic transformation, human capital development, governance and value system, and environment, saying that the association is committed to contributing their quota in making the State better through reawakening of value system in the consciousness of Ndi Anambra.
“We are here today in Anaocha, because ASTUC YOUTH believes that the future of Anambra cannot be built by infrastructure alone. It must also be built on values, character, responsible citizenship and positive examples for our young people.
“We are here to celebrate the 12 Core Values of Onye Anambra: “Fear of God, Patriotism, Self-Reliance, Discipline, Life, Truth, Liberty, Justice, Community, Dignity of Labour, Religious and Ethnic Tolerance, and Love.
“These are not just words to recite. They are values to believe, practise and live.
“They call us to fear God, love our state, work hard, live disciplined lives, respect human life, speak the truth, uphold justice, serve our communities, respect honest labour, tolerate one another and lead with love.
“These are the values we want our young people to carry into their families, schools, businesses, communities and public life.
“From the ten communities of Anaocha, we are honouring distinguished men whose lives and contributions can inspire the next generation.
“The greatest value of today’s award will not be the plaque you receive. It will be the young people who look at your example and choose a better path.
“We therefore ask you to continue to mentor, encourage and support the youths of your communities, Okoli advocated.
He commended the governor for the opportunities the State Government has given to the young people through 1 youth 2skills programme, Solution Innovation District (SID) and other employment opportunities from various State Ministries, Agencies and parastatals.
He passionately appealed to Anambra youth to support all APGA candidates in the 2027 general election.
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr Afam Obidike, advised youths to quit “get rich quick syndrome” and focus on legitimate ways of financial success in order to enjoy the wealth when it eventually comes.
He assured the association of the State government continue support in it activities.
Some other award recipients who also spoke via interview, Barr Chukwudi Oli, Dr Gerald Ozor and Hon Romanus Ibekwe, appreciated ASTUC youths for the recognition which they say is a motivation to invest more in youth empowerment and community development, asking young people to remain focused and hardworking to achieve their set-goals in life.
The event equally has in attendance, traditional rulers from the council area and thousands of youth under the umbrella of Adazi-Enu Youth Assembly (AYA).
