…Commends Isuofia youths for community-driven empowerment initiative
By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
The President-General of ASTUC YOUTH, Comrade Ken
Okoli, has been honoured by the Isuofia Youth Assembly in recognition of his
contributions to peacebuilding, youth development and community leadership in
Anambra State.
The honour was presented on Saturday, 12
September 2026, during the Isuofia Youth Empowerment Programme organised by the
leadership of the Isuofia Youth Assembly under Comrade Ifeanyi Ikemelu.
Okoli received the title “Ochiagha Ndi Ntorobia
Anambra”, an award he described as particularly touching because of the reason
behind the recognition.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the
Occasion, Comrade Mmaduabuchi Okafor, recalled that during a period when
efforts were being made to restore peace within the youth wing of the Isuofia
Town Union, Comrade Ken Okoli was contacted in his capacity as President
General of ASTUC YOUTH to provide guidance and support.
According to him, Okoli responded to the call and contributed towards efforts aimed at restoring understanding and stability among the youths.
The youth structure at the time was associated
with Hon. Izuchukwu Okafor, Commissioner for Finance, who was also honoured at
the programme with the title “Omeudo for Ndi Ntorobia Isuofia.”
The Isuofia Youth Assembly also recognised past
youth leaders of the community who had distinguished themselves through service
and positive contributions to youth development.
Beyond the awards, one of the major highlights of the event was the empowerment of young people who had undergone training in different vocational skills, including fashion design, pastry making, confectionery and other entrepreneurial trades.
Beneficiaries were presented with tools and equipment to enable them begin or strengthen their businesses after completing their training.
What stood out was the community-driven approach adopted by the youth leadership to fund the empowerment scheme.
Rather than depending entirely on government intervention, the Isuofia Youth Assembly reached out to philanthropists and well-meaning individuals from the community for financial support. Funds realised from the appeal were used to procure empowerment equipment for the beneficiaries.
Impressed by the initiative, Comrade Okoli also supported the beneficiaries by providing funds towards their transportation after the programme.
He described the initiative as an example of the
kind of responsible and resourceful youth leadership he has been advocating
across Anambra State.
Another symbolic gesture highlighted at the
event was a motorcycle donated to the Isuofia Youth Assembly by the community’s
2026 Community Role Model, Mr. Celestine Nwankwo.
Okoli said the gesture further demonstrated the importance of identifying credible community role models who can work with youth leaders to support and empower young people at the grassroots.
Reflecting on the event, he particularly commended the Isuofia Youth Assembly President, Comrade Ifeanyi Ikemelu, whom he described as “an unassuming and gentle man” whose leadership had given practical expression to the ideals of youth empowerment and community partnership.
According to Okoli, “Thank you for the recognition, but beyond the award, thank you for validating what I am doing across the state by identifying community role models who can support community youth leaders in empowering the young people they lead.”
He said the Isuofia experience represented the vision behind his ongoing campaign to strengthen youth leadership through partnership with credible and accomplished members of various communities.
“Some people may be watching what we are doing across the state without fully understanding the reason behind it. Comrade Ifeanyi Ikemelu has become a living example of what we are trying to create and build among youth leaders in our beloved state,” Okoli said.
He added:
“You have made my day, my week, my month and my year. God bless you.”
The ASTUC YOUTH President urged other community youth organisations to learn from the Isuofia model by building partnerships with philanthropists, professionals, business leaders and community role models to create sustainable opportunities for young people.
He maintained that youth empowerment should go beyond speeches and ceremonies to include skills acquisition, mentorship, productive engagement and the provision of practical tools that enable young people to become self-reliant.
The Isuofia Youth Empowerment Programme brought together youth leaders, community stakeholders, award recipients, beneficiaries and other guests in a celebration of service, peace, empowerment and responsible community leadership.
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