Pictures: ASTUC President Comrade Ken Okoli (standing alone), addressing participants during the event.
By Ukpa Ewa
The Anambra State Town Union Councils Youth Wing (ASTUC Youths) has honoured ten distinguished indigenes of Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA) for their outstanding contributions to community development and service.
The award ceremony, held at the Neni Town Hall, attracted community leaders, youths and other stakeholders, with one honouree selected from each of the ten communities in the local government area.
‘We Must Celebrate Positive Role Models’ — ASTUC Youths
Speaking at the event, President-General of ASTUC Youths, Comrade Ken Okoli, said the initiative was designed to celebrate individuals who exemplify the values of Onye Anambra and serve as positive role models for the younger generation.
Okoli said the programme 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 and celebrating people who uphold these values would encourage young people to emulate their contributions and commitment to society.
The ASTUC Youths president said the initiative was also in line with the vision of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on youth development and good governance.
He disclosed that Anaocha was the tenth local government area visited under the programme, adding that the initiative would be extended to the remaining 11 local government areas in the state.
Govt Investments in Youths, Healthcare, Education — Obidike
Delivering his welcome address, the Commissioner for Health and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Afam Obidike, said the state government had invested in various schemes aimed at improving the welfare and prospects of young people, particularly in education and healthcare.
He said the interventions were designed to equip youths with the knowledge, skills and opportunities required to become responsible citizens and worthy ambassadors of Anambra State.
Award Is an Encouragement — Anaocha Mayor
The Mayor of Anaocha LGA, Mr. Rome Ibekwe, who was among the award recipients, described the recognition as an encouragement to individuals who had demonstrated commitment, sacrifice and dedication to community service.
Ibekwe urged youths to take up responsibilities in their various communities, stressing the importance of active participation in initiatives capable of improving the welfare of residents.
He also disclosed that his administration had embarked on several projects aimed at improving the lives of people across Anaocha.
Awardees Challenge Youths to Uphold Good Values
One of the awardees, Barrister Ndubisi Obiadi, thanked ASTUC Youths for the recognition, describing it as a great honour.
Obiadi advised youths to uphold good morals and remain committed to doing what is right, irrespective of the circumstances they encounter.
Similarly, the immediate past Mayor of Anaocha, Dr. Gerald Ozoh, urged young people to engage in activities that would promote the development and wellbeing of their families and communities.
Another awardee, Barrister Chukwudi Oli, said the recognition had placed a responsibility on the recipients to continue living lives worthy of emulation.
Oli emphasised the importance of discipline, noting that anyone presented as a role model must be someone whose conduct others can confidently emulate.
Oli Urges Youths to Unite, Make Wise Electoral Choices
Oli also advocated greater unity among youths, saying a united youth population could make significant contributions to peace, security and development in society.
He encouraged young people to carefully consider their choices ahead of forthcoming elections and vote for leaders capable of advancing the interests and development of their communities.
The event climaxed with the presentation of the Anambra Youth Community Development Awards to outstanding individuals, alongside colourful cultural displays showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of the people of Anaocha.
Tags: #ASTUCYouths #Anaocha #CommunityDevelopment #Anambra
