By Ukpa Ewa
The Anambra State Town Union Councils (ASTUC) Youths have honoured the Mayor of Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Mr. Chimezie James Obi, and three other community leaders for their contributions to youth empowerment and community development.
The other award recipients were Sir Vin Dike, APGA candidate for Ekwusigo/Nnewi North/Nnewi South Federal Constituency; Chief Nnaemeka Onyeanusi of Ichi; and Chief Okwudili Agbodike of Ihembosi.
The recognition ceremony, held at the Ekwusigo Local Government Area headquarters, brought together stakeholders from Ozubulu, Oraifite, Ihembosi and Ichi.
Speaking to journalists at the event, ASTUC Youth President, Comrade Ken Okoli, said the organisation engages with the mayor of every local government it visits because its structure is firmly rooted at the grassroots.
Okoli explained that the awards were designed to celebrate individuals who exemplify the shared values of Ndi Anambra and provide positive examples for the younger generation.
He urged youths to broaden their knowledge, acquire relevant skills, cultivate good character and take pride in their identity as Onye Anambra.
The ASTUC Youth President, however, charged the award recipients to regard the recognition as a responsibility to sustain their contributions to society, warning that the organisation could withdraw the honour if recipients failed to live up to the standards expected of them.
Receiving his award, the Mayor of Ekwusigo, Mr. Chimezie James Obi, described the recognition as a great honour, stressing that his administration was guided by a clear vision of purposeful leadership and effective implementation of government policies and programmes.
Obi said he had previously declined several awards because he believed recognition should be based on tangible achievements.
He recalled that Ekwusigo had received a national award for its achievements in security, assuring that he would remain focused on delivering results throughout his tenure.
Also speaking, Sir Vin Dike described ASTUC as one family, noting that the youth, women and traditional union structures had been brought together under one umbrella during his tenure.
Dike expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged his continued support for youth development.
He recalled that while serving as President General of Oraifite, he assisted more than 100 youths in securing federal employment opportunities.
According to him, effective representation goes beyond legislative capacity, stressing the importance of creating opportunities and investing directly in people.
Commending the initiative, the incoming councillor representing Ozubulu Ward Three, Hon. Uchendu Emmanuel, who spoke on behalf of Chief Mukosolu Okosieme, applauded ASTUC for recognising individuals making contributions to society.
He called for greater attention to youth development, while Chief Nnaemeka Onyeanusi and Chief Okwudili Agbodike also expressed appreciation for the honour and pledged to continue contributing to the development of their respective communities.
The event coincided with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s working visit to Ekwusigo Local Government Area and the commissioning of several development projects in the area.
Tags: #ASTUC #Ekwusigo #Anambra #YouthDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment
