-Chancellor Very Rev Fr Aroh, APGA National chairman Barr Ezeokenwa, Dr. Omenugha, others bag CYON merit Award.
By Nna Anulumadu
The Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Onitsha Archdiocese, on Sunday, April 27th, staged spectacular activities to celebrate the 2025 Youth Day. The thrilling event witnessed a royal competition that produced a new CYON prince and princess.
Youth-friendly personalities, including the Chancellor of Onitsha Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Prudentus Aroh, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, and Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Anambra State on Youth Development, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, bagged CYON merit awards for their contributions to youth transformation.
Presenting the awards, the Director-General of Onitsha Archdiocesan CYON, Rev. Fr. Vincent Ezenwaka, praised the efforts of the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Chancellor, Hon. Sly Ezeokenwa, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, and other recipients for their commendable contributions to youth transformation and development in Anambra State.
On the other hand, he commended CYON members for demonstrating sincere interest in the organization’s activities, charging to remain committed as they stand to benefit a lot both spiritually, materially and otherwise as CYON members.
In a welcome address, the organization poured encomiums on the Archbishop for his dedication to youth empowerment, which inspires them to grow in faith and become agents of transformation. They also appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Director-General Fr. Vincent, and his assistant, Fr. Jerome Obiekezie, for their great contributions to youth transformation.
The organization highlighted their recent achievements, disclosing that they have championed the cause of attitudinal changes in the lives of young people towards embracing hard work and a decent life. They pleaded with Governor Soludo to empower and employ more youth to reduce crime to the barest minimum.
The organization also solicited funds to the tune of N25 million to establish a poultry farm that will provide jobs for youth. In his speech, Barr Sly Ezeokenwa, who chaired the event, eulogized the Archbishop for his giant strides in youth development and human capital development.
He promised to partner with the CYON poultry farm project, which aims to train and engage youth in lucrative jobs. The National Chairman also donated generously to the project.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Anambra State, Hon. Patrick Agba Mba, who graced the occasion, assured CYON members that the state government will partner with their transformative projects. He revealed that the current administration has already trained 30,000 youth in “Code Anambra” and “Level Up Anambra” under the SID.
Dr. Nelson Omenugha, in his remarks, reminded CYON members that Governor Soludo has done a lot in youth development, adding that more programs are in the pipeline for the youth. He charged the youth to be closer to the government to benefit more from Soludo’s administration and also donated generously to the youth farm project.
The Onitsha Archdiocesan CYON President, Osorachukwu Okonkwo, expressed joy over the event, appreciating their Director, Fr. Ezenwaka, for his commitment to the upliftment of CYON in Onitsha Archdiocese. He also appreciated fellow members for their active participation, urging them not to relent in giving their time to CYON activities.
