The Youth Wing of the Anambra State Town Unions Council (ASTUC) has honoured distinguished personalities from Oyi Local Government Area in recognition of their exemplary character, philanthropy, mentorship and contributions to community development.
The ceremony, held at the Oyi Local Government Headquarters, attracted community leaders, youths and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate individuals whose dedication to service and community advancement has made a positive impact on society.
Among the award recipients were Prince Collins Chendo, Chief John Agulue, Sir Chukwunonso Okafor, Honourable Emmanuel Nweke, Chief Fabian Echebi and Mr Oluchukwu Oforje, among others.
Speaking at the event, the Youth Mayor of Oyi Local Government Area, Sir Chinedu Nwokedi, identified negative role models, declining moral values, unemployment and hopelessness as some of the major challenges facing young people in Anambra State.
He cautioned youths against emulating individuals of questionable character, stressing that such influences could lead them down destructive paths. Instead, he urged them to look up to people known for integrity, hard work, enterprise and selfless service to humanity.
According to Nwokedi, the recognition of outstanding personalities reflects Oyi’s commitment to nurturing a generation of young people guided by integrity, diligence and service to society.
He encouraged youths to shun social vices, acquire relevant skills, pursue education and prepare themselves for leadership and responsible citizenship.
The Youth Mayor also called on elders and community leaders to strengthen their mentorship of younger generations, noting that collaboration between the old and young was essential for sustainable development.
He further urged youths to promote unity, peace and mutual respect while channeling their energies into productive ventures that would contribute to the growth and development of their communities.
In his address, the President-General of the ASTUC Youth Wing, Comrade Ken Okoli, called on young people across Anambra State to embrace the core values of honesty, hard work, discipline and communal living.
Okoli described these values as essential foundations for responsible governance, effective leadership and nation-building, urging youths to make them guiding principles in their daily lives.
He outlined the 12 core values as Fear of God, Patriotism, Self-Reliance, Discipline, Life, Truth, Liberty, Justice, Community, Dignity of Labour, Religious and Ethnic Tolerance, and Love.
The ASTUC Youth Wing president disclosed that Oyi had become the 13th local government area covered by the council’s role-model recognition campaign, adding that the initiative would be extended to the remaining eight local government areas.
He explained that the campaign was designed to celebrate individuals whose lives exemplify positive values and inspire Ndi Anambra to embrace responsible citizenship, in keeping with the state’s identity as the Light of the Nation.
Okoli also referenced the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, as part of efforts to address questionable means of acquiring wealth, including the practice popularly known as oke-ite, which he said had misled some young people.
He further disclosed that ASTUC was facilitating the Anambra State Core Values and Responsible Citizenship Bill 2026 in support of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation’s efforts to strengthen the state’s value system.
Some of the award recipients expressed appreciation to the ASTUC Youth Wing for the recognition. They included Prince Collins Chendo and Chief John Agulue, who was represented at the ceremony by Mr Damian Egwuonwu.
The awardees said the honour would encourage them to sustain their contributions to community development and deepen their commitment to initiatives that promote positive social change.
The recognition campaign forms part of broader efforts to celebrate exemplary citizens, promote responsible leadership and encourage young people to draw inspiration from individuals whose lives demonstrate integrity, service and commitment to the common good.