By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
The Anambra State Town Union Council Youth Wing (ASTUC) has urged members of the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to believe in their abilities, showcase their talents and take advantage of opportunities to make a positive impact in society.
The President-General of ASTUC Youth Wing, Comrade Ken Okoli, made the call on Thursday night during the NYSC Miss Big, Bold and Beautiful/Mr Handsome Contest held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The event was proudly sponsored by GVS Cosmetics Ltd., the sole distributor and marketer of Cosmos Cosmetics products in Nigeria.
Okoli said ASTUC believes strongly in the potential and future of young people, describing the NYSC scheme as an important programme that promotes national unity while providing young Nigerians with opportunities to discover themselves, develop their abilities and contribute to the service of humanity.
«“We believe in young people. We believe in their future and abilities, and for that reason, we see the NYSC scheme as a very important programme that provides a form of unity for young people to explore themselves and their environment in the service of humanity,” he said.»
He further noted that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has created an environment in which young people serving in Anambra State can identify and pursue opportunities available to them.
According to him, “We are the Light of the Nation, and as the Light of the Nation, we want to ensure that anyone posted to serve in Anambra State identifies those innate abilities that will make them feel at home and enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.”
The ASTUC Youth Wing leader stressed the importance of supporting young people to succeed in their chosen fields, adding that older generations have a responsibility to share their experiences with the younger generation.
“We have a duty to ensure that young people are given the support and opportunities to succeed in their different areas of endeavour. As people who have experience in life, we are practically putting that experience to bear so that these young people will not have to repeat the mistakes of the past.
“Rather, we have to use our experiences to help them navigate their paths and overcome challenges, so that they can have a seamless pursuit of their different endeavours,” he said.
Okoli therefore encouraged the corps members to remain confident in themselves and their abilities, assuring them that the possibilities ahead were limitless.
He said, “Believe in yourself. Believe in your abilities and believe that you are here to manifest them. Beyond the sky is your limit.”
Cordinator of the NYSC Umuawulu Camp in the state,
Mrs. Pauline Ojisua thank the sponsors, Comos cosmetic alongside Comrade Ken Okoli for the warmth support and encouragement. While asking God to enlarge their coast, wished them success in all they do
Winners Emerge
Speaking shortly after the event, the winner of the Mr Handsome category, Chime Collins Somtochukwu, an indigene of Enugu State and a member of Platoon 5, expressed delight at his victory.
He said, “I have always known that I am going to be a model. I am happy that I won this noble award, ‘Mr Handsome’. It is quite a milestone for me.”
In the Miss Big, Bold and Beautiful category, Edo State-born Iyere Favour, who emerged winner, said she never expected to win the competition.
“Honestly, when I came to this camp, they were calling me BBB. I didn’t expect that I would win, but I am excited. Right now, I see the reason behind the hailing. I thank my colleagues who made this feat possible. Thank you so much. I love you all,” she said.
Iyere Sandra of Ogun State, who emerged second in the female category, also expressed happiness with her performance.
“I am showing the world that I can carry myself and that I can describe the beauty in me. I shouldn’t be shy of anything. I should be Big, Bold and Beautiful,” she said.
Female Category
First Position: Iyere Favour
- State Code: AN/26B/2054
- Course of Study: Biochemistry
- Institution: Ambrose Alli University
- State of Origin: Edo State
Second Position: Duodoo Sarah Sandra
- State Code: AN/26B/2006
- Course of Study: Educational Technology
- Institution: Tai Solarin University of Education
- State of Origin: Ogun State
Third Position: Okoro Gift
- State Code: AN/2026B/2192
- Course of Study: History and International Studies
- Institution: Ambrose Alli University
- State of Origin: Edo State
Male Category
First Position: Chime Collins Somtochukwu
- State Code: 1965
- Course of Study: Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- Institution: Federal University of Technology, Owerri
- State of Origin: Enugu State
Second Position: Osifo Prudent Osagie
- State Code: AN/26B/3043
- Course of Study: Industrial Chemistry
- Institution: University of Benin
- State of Origin: Edo State
Third Position: Aduma Tony Owogoga
- State Code: AN/26B/1922
- Course of Study: Petroleum Engineering
- Institution: Madonna University
- State of Origin: Cross River State
Meanwhile, the contest formed part of activities aimed at encouraging corps members to express their talents, build confidence and embrace opportunities for personal and professional development during their service year.
