By Nna Anulumadu
On Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, Anambra
witnessed a historic moment as the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) youths honored Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Basil Ekwunife (from Anambra North) with a prestigious award for emerging ASTUC Mega Star Role Model in Anambra state .Two others honored with the same prestigious award for emerging as Mega Star Role Models in Anambra Central and South senatorial zones are Chief Dr. Chinedu Umeadi and HRN Chief Dr. Chukwuebuka Onunkwo, respectively.
The event, held at the ASTUC complex inside the old government house in Awka, was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, youth ambassadors, and enthusiastic indigenous sons and daughters of Anambra State. The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, represented the Executive Governor of Anambra State His Excellency Professor Charles Soludo .
In his address, Dr. Mefor congratulated Rev Fr Dr Basil Ekwunife for emerging a Mega star role model describing him an exemplary priest who has distinguished himself in youth transformation and charity work. He further emphasized the Governor’s commitment to youth empowerment and cautioned young people against seeking shortcuts to success. He urged them to embrace hard work, resilience, and positive role models, applauding the ASTUC Youth Council for choosing men of great character and vision as Mega Star Role models.
The ASTUC President comrade Ken Okoli disclosed that Fr. Basil Ekwunife and two others were selected as the Mega Star Role Models based on the recommendation , nomination, transparent election conducted by the entire youth of Anambra State. He explained that the essence of the role model award is to encourage Anambra youth to follow the footsteps of the role models emerged in the communities , local government and in the three senatorial zones of the state.
When Rev. Fr. Basil Ekwunife was invited to receive his award, the entire auditorium erupted in thunderous applause. The ovation was not just for the honor itself but for what he represents—discipline, hard work, mentorship, and genuine love for human development.
In his acceptance speech, Rev. Fr. Basil Ekwunife expressed profound gratitude to the organizers for the transparent and credible selection process. He emphasized that the authenticity of such awards encourages more stakeholders to invest in the youth and commended ASTUC for upholding fairness and excellence.
Fr. Ekwunife reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining his integrity, standard, and calling as a role model, reminding the audience that leadership is not a title but a responsibility. He encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from his example and strive for excellence.
The event was truly captivating, sparking unity among the indigenous people of Anambra State. The joy and energy in the atmosphere served as a powerful reminder that investing in the youth is investing in the future of the state. The ceremony carried an important message: empowering young people is empowering the entire community.
Trinitas Newspaper observed that the award ceremony did not just honor a man; it ignited a renewed call to action, reminding everyone that the destiny of Anambra lies in nurturing youth talent, supporting youth innovation, and promoting role models who inspire discipline, hard work, and service.
Rev. Fr. Basil Ekwunife, now officially recognized as ASTUC’s Role Model, is a man whose footsteps the youth can proudly follow.
ASTUC members who spoke to the press testified that the three award winners have greatly impacted positively on their immediate society through selfless charity, manifesting in youth development and transformation. They called on fellow youth to emulate the Mega Star Role Models in changing the state for good.
The three award winners—Rev. Fr. Dr. Basil Ekwunife, Chief Dr. Chinedu Umeadi, and HRM Chief Dr. Chukwuebuka Onunkwo—were men of integrity and impeccable character with exemplary lifestyles who emerged Mega Star Role Models of their senatorial zones after a rigorous and transparent selection process.
They were chosen through a transparent and democratic election conducted by ASTUC leaders, having previously emerged as top role models in their communities and local government areas.
