By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
The Anambra State Deputy Governor, Hon Onyekwchukwu Ibezim has unveiled the 12 Articles of Faith in the Anambra Project which contains the twelve core values and face of the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.
This took place as the Anambra State Town Unions Council Youth Wing (ASTUC YOUTH) honoured nine (9) distinguished individuals from the nine communities in Awka South Local Government Area in recognition of their exemplary character, mentorship, philanthropy, and selfless contributions to community development.
The award ceremony, held at Emmaus House, Awka, on Saturday, 4th July, 2026 also saw the serving Member of Federal House of Representatives, Awka North/South constituency, Prof. Mrs. Lilian Ify Orogbu and the Mayor of Awka South, Hon Prince Chinedu Okafor, receive portrait gift and bagged leadership and community service awards.
The community role models
honoured include, Dr. Ugochukwu Onyibor Morah (Awka), Chief Kenechukwu Ekwueme (Nibo), Ozo Uchenna Moses Nwoye (Okpuno), Chief Ugochukwu Nwokoye (Amawbia), Chief Amobi Okoli (Ezinator), Chief Chuka Louis Emenia (Mbaukwu), Comrade Orji Chika Christian (Umuawulu), Arc. Ifeanyi Obi (Nise), and Chief Chekwube Okoli (Isiagu).
In his address, Deputy Governor Dr. Onyeka Ibezim thanked God for the successful event and described Emmaus House as a venue that rekindled many memorable political experiences.
He commended Anambra youths for remaining law-abiding and urged them to reject the pursuit of quick wealth through unlawful means, and keep being inspired by the role models selected by the communities.
Dr. Ibezim also applauded ASTUC Youth for recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves through service, noting that honouring good deeds inspires greater commitment to community development.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the administration of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo in its efforts towards making Anambra to truly live up to its slogan as the “Light of the Nation.”
While advising the youths to embrace the 12 articles of faith in Anambra project which are valued outline to guide the principles of self esteem, character and service to humanity.
In his opening remark, Chairman of the occasion and pioneer role model Awka community, Dr. Victor Agumadu, (aka Material) challenged young people to become positive role models by embracing integrity, good character, and selfless service to humanity.
He commended the award recipients for their patriotism and commitment to community development, urging them to remain steadfast in serving society.
According to Agumadu “Character, behaviour, and values are the foundation of becoming a role model. The younger generation is watching, and we must continue to lead by example,” he said.
Speaking shortly after receiving her Portrait Gift as a federal lawmaker representing the good people of Awka North/South federal constituency, Prof. Oby Orogbu, also encouraged youths across the local government to uphold values of integrity, accountability, and positive influence.
She urged young people to become politically conscious ahead of the forthcoming elections, noting that they constitute the largest voting population and should support credible candidates capable of delivering quality representation.
A recipient of leadership and community service award, the Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Hon Prince Chinedu Okafor reaffirmed the council’s commitment to programmes that promote youth empowerment and sustainable community development. He thanked the ASTUC Youth leadership for the support and appreciation over his administration.
Earlier in his address, ASTUC Youth Mayor, Awka South – Comrade Okoye Chinaza. K. Said the essence of the gathering was to celebrate nine individuals who have consistently demonstrated outstanding character and have distinguished themselves as pillars of support, mentors, philanthropists, teachers, counsellors, and community builders, through their sacrifices and achievements, they have inspired hope, and shown our young people that success is built on hard work discipline, humility and service.”
Being just a role model is therefore not just an honour, it is a call to greater responsibility. I urge you all to continue to be the torch bearers in our different communities and uphold the lifestyle, actions that inspire our youths to dream bigger, live better and contribute positively to society.
ASTUC Youth President-General, His Youthfulness, Comrade Ken Okoli, appealed to Anambra youth leaders to seek to uphold what defines Ndi Anambra as the light of the nation having identified and articulated the Articles of Faith in the Anambra Project, which contains the 12 core values. They are fear of God, patriotism, self-reliance, discipline, life, truth, liberty, justice, community, dignity of labour, religious & ethic tolerance and love.
The said that the articles of faith in Anambra project was published in a book tilted “I BELIEVE IN ANAMBRA”, as a template for governance, value system and orientation in Anambra State. Ken believes that Anambra is ours and Anambra we serve, therefore building Anambra is a collective responsibility among the 7 key components of the society, like the citizens, the family, the religious institutions, the schools, the business institutions, the communities and the government institutions.
Comrade Ken congratulated the award recipients and appealed to the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, to institutionalised the recognition by extending similar honours to deserving citizens across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Dr Ugochukwu Morah (Awka role model) and Ozo Uchenna Moses Nwoye expressed gratitude to ASTUC Youth for the recognition while urging the youths to shun violence and embrace job opportunities and vocational education.
They described the award as an encouragement to continue serving in their various communities, noting that it demonstrated that good works do not go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, special highlights of the event were cultural dance and drum competitions from the nine communities as well as musical album launch for the nine role models and distinguished youths leaders.
ASTUC Youth leaders appreciate the CVS Cosmetics Ltd for gifting all the 9 role models and special guests of honour that attended the event a packet of Cosmo cosmetics product as compliments.
