The Anambra State Town Unions Youth Wing (ASTUC Youth) on Sunday brought together representatives of the 10 communities in Anaocha Local Government Area to celebrate shared values and honour individuals recognised for their contributions to leadership, service and youth development.
The event, held at the Neni Civic Centre, Neni, was themed: “Celebrating Our Community Shared Values & Anambra Community Role Models from the Ten Communities of Anaocha LGA.”
Speaking on the purpose of the gathering, the President-General of ASTUC Youth and convener of the event, Comrade Ken Okoli, said sustainable development required not only infrastructure but also strong character, responsible citizenship and positive values.
He said the initiative was designed to promote the 12 Core Values of Onye Anambra, including fear of God, patriotism, self-reliance, discipline, truth, justice, community, dignity of labour, tolerance and love.
Okoli described the honourees as living examples for younger generations and urged them to continue mentoring youths and supporting initiatives that promote purposeful living.
He also highlighted ASTUC Youth’s partnership-driven efforts to tackle cultism, drug abuse and other negative behaviours through mentorship, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities.
According to him, plans are underway to strengthen the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative by supporting beneficiaries of the state’s “One Youth, Two Skills” programme with training, mentorship and pathways to sustainable income.
The programme, he said, would involve collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Solution Innovation District, NYSC, local government councils, community leaders and the private sector.
Okoli thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his youth-focused initiatives and reaffirmed the group’s support for the “We Believe in Anambra” campaign, stressing that building a prosperous Anambra required collective responsibility.
The host of the event, Comrade Asiegbu Akaolisa, Nnukwu Youth Leader and Youth Mayor of Anaocha, said the gathering provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding individuals and promote unity among young people across the 10 communities.
He urged youths to rise above political differences and personal interests and focus on empowerment, skills acquisition and community development.
The Chairman of the occasion and Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, commended the organisers, youths and community role models, describing the event as a positive demonstration of youth engagement and community spirit.
One of the honourees, Prince Chukwudi Oli, urged role models to live up to the standards expected of them.
“If we call ourselves role models, we should endeavour to behave like role models,” he said.
Oli also encouraged young people to take responsibility for their future and make informed political decisions based on candidates’ character, track record and manifesto rather than personal interests or sentiments.
Similarly, a former Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Dr Ikechukwu Ozor, urged youths to pursue lives that would bring honour to their families and communities. He commended the organisers for creating a platform that celebrates positive values and responsible leadership.
The Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Chief Romanus Ibekwe, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, disclosing plans to commission skill acquisition centres in Akwaeze and Neni to equip young people with practical skills and improve their livelihoods.
He also reiterated support for Governor Soludo’s youth empowerment programmes, particularly the “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative.
Among those honoured at the event were ASTUC Youth pioneer President-General, Comrade Osita Kingsley Ozalagba; Chief Jideofor Okongwu; Chief Hon. Dr Gerald Ifeanyi Okoye of Nri, a former Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area; and other distinguished community leaders.
The event featured cultural performances and messages centred on unity, responsible leadership and youth development, with participants reaffirming the commitment to the shared vision: “Anambra is ours. Anambra we serve.”