By Olisemeka Obeche
Elite Youths of Anam Foundation, EYAF has promised double its efforts and resources towards human capital development and socio-economic advancement of Ndi Anam, Anambra West and Anambra State.EYAF President, Mr. Christopher Ejike Anekwe, made the pledge after the swearing-in of newly elected executive committee of the organization on Tuesday, 18th June 2024.
The new EXCOs led by Mr. Anekwe also include Dr. Mrs Roseline Onyeaka, Vice President, Johnpaul Udoba, Secretary, Nonso Edozieuno, Assistant Secretary, Pastor Frank Agulu, Treasurer, Mr. Anselem Dibuo, Financial Secretary and Mr. Olisemeka Obeche, Public Relations Officer.Speaking during the virtual inauguration ceremony attended by members of the foundation across the globe, Mr. Anekwe, outlined areas the new EYAF leadership would focus on to include, education sponsorship programs, empowerment, micro-credit interest free loan, mutually beneficial collaboration/partnership with relevant governmental and non-governmental organisations, groups and well-meaning individuals and businesses as well as community engagements.“EYAF was founded with the desire to empower and uplift the youths of our community and to provide them with opportunities to thrive through intellectual platform. It is my promise to you all that I will continue to build upon this foundation and take EYAF to new heights.According to him, 68 students have benefited from the foundation’s WAEC, NECO and JAMB Scholarship Scheme so far plus granting of University Scholarship Award to study Medicine and Surgery at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka to Ekweoba Clara Amarachi for her outstanding performance in 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. He adds that 153 widows drawn from various communities in Anam have also benefited from EYAF’s Micro-credit interest-free loans among others.
“We believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential within each and every one of us. So, we intends to continue the scholarship programs, start mentorship programs, and School Program.“We recognize that empowerment goes hand in hand with education; and so we will equip our youths with skills, resources, through training programs, entrepreneurship support, and leadership development.“This team will work assiduously to partner with state, national, and international communities in solving our problems. We will actively engage with the community, local organizations, government bodies, and stakeholders to address the pressing issues faced by our community and work towards their resolution”, he stressed.Earlier, the Board of Trustees (BOT) of EYAF, had congratulated the newly elected executive and charged the new leadership to rededicate themselves to the task of driving the goals and aspirations of the organization in the next three years. The congratulatory message signed by the chairman of BOT, Dr. Emman Ude Akpeh read in parts:“We wish to congratulate the newly elected executive of EYAF who have received the mandate to lead and manage the affairs of our great association for the next three (3) years.“It is noteworthy to remind all of us that the next three years is a call for us to strengthen the foundation for community development laid by the founders of EYAF and driven by all members. EYAF truly deserves our commitment, our support, financially, and in terms of other resources to continue to achieve more. WE CAN DO IT!Some of the dignitaries who witnessed the oath-taking ceremony includes, Dr Emma Udeh-Akpeh, Chairman Board of Trustees -EYAF and Retired Permanent Secretary, Governor’s Office, Prof Alex Asigbo, Professors of Theater Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka;Dr. Anselem Onuorah, former Chairman, Anambra East LGA, Prof. Chukwuemeka Jaja Nwanegbo, Professor of Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Dr Ken Nzegwu, Office of Auditor General of the Federation. Others include, Barth Okonkwo, Chief Information Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nnamdi Anekwe Chief, Security Analyst and Conflict Resolution Consultant, Barr. Victor Akazue Nwakasi, Secretary BOT-EYAF, Chief Mrs Nkeiru Edith Ndive, President, National Council of Women Societies, Anambra West LGA Chapter.In their goodwill messages, Prof. Asigbo, Dr. Onuora, Dr. Nzegwu, Dr. Okonkwo and others had charged the new leadership of EYAF to intensify their campaign for education and social development in order to ensure sustained human capital development in Anam. The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Barr. Victor Akazuo Nwakassi, Secretary, BOT of EYAF.
