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By Ndife David, Awka

The Youth Wing of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU Youth) has unveiled plans to activate union branches in all 35 other states of the federation, as well as in countries across the globe.  

This announcement was made during the 2024 Anambra Community Youth Development Awards held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, Anambra State.

In his welcome address, the ASATU Youth President-General, Comrade Ken Okoli, reiterated his commitment to unifying Anambra youths, irrespective of their location. He outlined the vision of extending the association's reach and impact beyond Anambra State by establishing the apex union body in all 36 states of the federation and the diaspora.

He emphasized that the program primarily aimed to recognize and appreciate individuals who have voluntarily contributed to youth development in their communities, particularly through the Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP) model. This model promotes inclusive governance and service delivery, as introduced by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

Comrade Okoli also launched the “Operation Know Your Constituents” initiative, aimed at registering all youths aged 18–45, both indigenous and non-indigenous, to promote inclusivity and strengthen grassroots engagement.

Additionally, the ASATU Youth President-General unveiled the 500 Million Naira Youth House Project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide a central hub for youth activities and empowerment programs in Anambra State.

Highlighting the organization’s plans for 2025, Comrade Okoli listed key initiatives such as implementing the group's blueprint programs, providing quarterly leadership and capacity training for community youth leaders, launching a portal for registering Anambra youths, and embarking on massive mobilization, value orientation, and re-orientation using the book "I Believe in Anambra" as a guiding template. Other initiatives include constructing the ASATU Youth House, procuring utility vehicles for effective youth activity coordination, and more.

He called for collective support from individuals and groups to achieve these dreams while appealing to the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to reinstate the payment of stipends to ASATU Youth Leaders.

In his address, the Anambra State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Maazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, who served as the event chairman, commended the ASATU Youth Wing for organizing the program. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering widespread development across communities. He also urged youths to imbibe good values, live responsibly, and lay a solid foundation for a brighter future and a better society.

Among the 21 Star Role Models from the 21 local government areas of the state were Chief Sir David Nwankwo, CEO of Rove Luxury Hotel and Suites, from Awka North, and Dr. Amaechi Nwachukwu, MD/CEO of Princeton Hospital Awka, from Oyi Local Government Area. Both received prestigious awards as Role Models and Icons of Hope for Youths during the maiden edition of the Anambra Community Youth Development Awards (ACYDA).

They expressed gratitude to the ASATU Youth Body for the special recognition, describing the initiative as a great source of motivation for youths and a spur for greater achievements. They also lauded Governor Soludo’s rapid transformation initiatives and advised Anambra youths to shun activities that could fuel insecurity or unrest, urging them to embrace responsibility and hard work.

The official unveiling and presentation of the Compendium of the ASATU Youth Role Models 2025, as well as special dramatic musical performances by some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Anambra State, were highlights of the event.

The event was graced by the ASATU National President, Barrister Titus Akpudo, and the Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, who represented Chief Dr. Ebuka Onukwo, CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd, during his award presentation.