Youths honour ex-NBA chair, others for community devt

The Anambra State Town Unions Council, ASTUC Youth Wing, has honoured a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Anaocha branch, Jideofor Okongwu, and 11 other illustrious sons of the Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

Okongwu and other recipients bagged the ‘Anambra Community Role Model awards’ in their various capacities for outstanding contributions to the development of their various communities, the LGA, Anambra State, as well as youth empowerment.

Other awardees which also include the Chairman of the Anaocha LGA, Romanus Ibekwe, APGA House of Reps candidate for Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency, Chukwudi Oli, Pioneer President General of ASTUC Youth, Osita Kingsley Ozalagba, Dr Gerald Ikechukwu Ozor, Chisom Ugha, Obiadi Ayodele, Chief Cletus Obianodo, Patrick Onyedum, John Ezeanidike, Cosmas Eweni, were chosen from the 10 communities comprising Neni, Agulu, Aguluzuigbo, Akwaeze, Obeledu, Nri, Adazi-Enu, Adazi- Ani, Adazi-Nnukwu and Ichida that constitute Anaocha LGA.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award held at the Neni Civic Centre on Sunday, the ex-NBA Chairman, Okongwu, urged youths to prioritise discipline, resilient and hard work in order to get to the top and become useful to their families, communities and society as a whole.

He said, “Receiving this recognition is an absolute privilege, and I am deeply grateful to the organisers and everyone involved in putting this incredible event together. An honour like this is rarely the work of just one person. It reflects the dedication of an entire team, the trust of our people, and the support of the community.

“This milestone serves as a powerful reminder of why we started the community development journey and inspires us to keep pushing boundaries, innovating, and contributing positively to the development of our communities. It’s a reawakening of shared values and dedication to societal development.”

Earlier, the President General of ASTUC Youth Wing and the Convener, Ken Okoli, said the agenda of the group revolves around the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration’s pillars which include security, law and order, economic transformation, human capital development, governance and value system, and environment.

“We are here today in Anaocha LGA, 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.

“From the 10 communities of Anaocha LGA, 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 state governor for the opportunities given to the young people through the ‘1youth2skills’ programme, ‘Solution Innovation District’ and other employment opportunities from various state ministries, agencies and parastatals.

Also speaking, the Chairman on 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.

The event had in attendance, traditional rulers from the council area and thousands of youth under the umbrella of Adazi-Enu Youth Assembly.