Gov Soludo reiterates commitment to equitable development in Anambra

…as ASTUC youth honours eight individuals

Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, reiterated the commitment of his administration to equitable development across all the 179 communities in the state.

He urged youths to support government programmes and actively participate in building a prosperous Anambra State.

Soludo stated this during the investiture of outstanding role model awards on eight distinguished individuals held over the weekend in Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state l.

This came as the youth wing of the Anambra State Town Unions Council (ASTUC), which was the convener of the event, said the gesture was a move aimed at inspiring young people to embrace positive values and contribute meaningfully to society.

Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the governor stressed that crime and violence have no place in the state, noting that his administration remains committed to maintaining peace and security and would not tolerate criminal activities among youths.

He advised youths to emulate the good character of the community role models and embrace hard work and dignity of labour, instead of getting involved in get-rich-quick syndrome (ego mbute and Oke ite), which, according to him, will not lead them to anywhere but rather destroys their future.

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

The beneficiaries of the role model awards were selected from the eight communities in Ayamelum.

They include, Barr 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 in showing the youths positive direction.

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

He appealed to youths 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.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chimezie Okoye, charged the newly honoured role models to serve as ambassadors of good governance and community development, adding that many young people look up to them for inspiration.

He advised youths in Ayamelum to cultivate good characters, discipline, and responsible virtues as essential ingredients for personal success and community progress.

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

He stated that 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.

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

He emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, saying that, “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.