“MY DAUGHTER, MY DAUGHTER” — GRIEF, SHOCK AS NURSING STUDENT FOUND DEAD IN ALOR SPARKS OUTCRY AND POLICE PROBE

 ...As Gwacham and Ofumelu Received Leadership & Community Service Award

By Uchenna Eze-Adigwe
Awka 

The Youth Wing of the Anambra State Town Unions Council (ASTUC) has honoured eight distinguished individuals as outstanding role models in Ayamelum Local Government Area, in a move aimed at inspiring young people to embrace positive values and contribute meaningfully to society.

The event, which took place on Friday, June 19, at the Ayamelum Local Government Secretariat in Anaku, attracted hundreds of youths, traditional title holders, political office holders, industrialists, and community leaders who gathered to celebrate excellence and exemplary leadership.

These role models were selected from the 8 communities in Ayamelum which include, Bar Onuamah Ignatius Emenike, (Ezekwuche 1 of Omasi) - Omasi role model; Bro Anthony Nwalieji Chinweuba -  Igbakwu role model; Chukwuma Nwalieji Reuben (ajuejiebuozu) - Umumbo role model; Chief Chimezie Cosmas Onyibor (mboma) - Umueje role model; Chief Ikechukwu Nobert Nebiefe (Mgbechikwelu) - Anaku role model; Barr Benjamin Anyafulu Onyeabo - Omor role model; Chief Ogugua Ebuka (Uzochukwumalu 1 of Ayamelum) - Umerum role model and Engr Paul Okafor - (FNSE, FNICE, FCSN, KSM) - Ifite Ogwari role model. 

Also two persons received special awards (Leadership & Community Service Award), the House of Representatives Member for Oyi/Ayamelum Constituency, Hon Mrs Maureen Chinwe Gwacham and Mayor of Ayamelum LGA, Hon Alphonsus Ofumelu.

All the awardees received one of the Cosmo cosmetics products as a gift from the GVS Cosmetics Ltd, as a way of celebrating them for the honour and supporting the good works of the ASTUC YOUTH is showing the youths positive direction.

Speaking at the occasion, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable development across all communities in the state. He urged young people to support government programmes and actively participate in building a prosperous Anambra State.

Dr. Mefor also stressed that crime and violence have no place in the state, noting that the Soludo administration remains committed to maintaining peace and security and will not tolerate criminal activities among youths. He advised the youths to emulate the good character of the community role models and embrace hard work and dignity of labour, instead of looking for ego mbute and Oke ite which does not lead them to anywhere but rather destroys their future.

The Commissioner for Youth Development & Sports, Hon Patrick Agha Mba, represented by the Director of Youth, Mr Martins Ezeilo congratulates the role models as icons of hope for the future of the youths.

He encouraged young people to remain focused and committed to productive ventures. “As a young person, learn a trade or acquire a skill that will distinguish you. Governor Soludo, through the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, has introduced the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ programme, which has empowered thousands of youths across the state. I encourage our youths to take advantage of this opportunity by registering and acquiring valuable skills,” he said.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Chimezie Okoye (Mmilienweilo), charged the newly honoured role models to serve as ambassadors of good governance and community development, noting that many young people look up to them for inspiration. 

He further advised youths in Ayamelum to cultivate good character, discipline, and responsibility as essential ingredients for personal success and community progress.

Addressing the gathering, the ASTUC Youth President, His Youthfulness, Comrade Ken Okoli, described the award recipients as individuals who embody the community shared values and represent beacons of hope for the future of Anambra State.

According to him, each community in the state is expected to nominate a role model annually through a structured selection process designed to promote leadership, integrity, and community service.

Also speaking, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Ayamelum Local Government Chairmanship, Hon. Mgbechi Emmanuel Igwebuike, stated that the awardees were selected based on their contributions and positive impact within their respective communities.

He emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, saying, “The youths are the backbone of what I am doing today, and if elected, I will ensure they are carried along in governance and development initiatives.” 

Some of the award recipients, including Chukwuma Reuben,  Chimezie Oyibo and Bro. Chinweba Dieli, expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to continue serving as positive examples within their communities.

They called on youths to embrace peace, shun violence, and avoid the destruction of public and private property, stressing that such actions hinder development in the Ayamelum Local Government Area.

Among the dignitaries present at the event was, deputy mayor Ayamelum local government area, Hon. (Mrs.) Felicia Mbanugo Oruya Barr. Obodoeze Chinedu, APGA House of Assembly candidate, Venerable Peter Okwuobodo, Parish Priest of St John's Anglican Church Anaku alongside other political leaders, community stakeholders, and youth advocates.

 

Highlights of the event included “We Believe in Anambra declaration” public endorsement of Bar Chinedu Obodoeze, the APGA candidate for the state house of assembly for Ayamelum constituency; the presentation of the ASTUC music album for Ayamelum and the colourful cultural performances by traditional drummers and dance groups.