By Karen James
APC Chieftain, High Chief JohnBosco Onunkwo, Honoured with Community Youth Development Award
High Chief JohnBosco Onunkwo, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to youth development with the Community Youth Development Award. The award was presented by the National President of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Youth Wing, Comrade Ken Okoli, during a ceremony held at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka.
The event, themed “Celebrating Our Role Models,” was attended by dignitaries from across Anambra State, including the State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, and ASATU National President, Barrister Titus Akpudo.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Onunkwo expressed gratitude to the organizers for acknowledging his efforts, particularly in the area of youth development. He highlighted his 17-year commitment to empowering young people through his JohnBosco Onunkwo Foundation.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award, which is a testament to the work we have been doing to empower the youth across Anambra State. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for a better Nigeria. Through my foundation, we have focused on fostering self-reliance, empowerment, and unity among young people,” Onunkwo said.
He added, “I appreciate the ASATU Youth Wing for this recognition and the youths of Aguata Council for nominating me. This award is not just a recognition of past efforts but a call to do even more for our communities.”
Comrade Ken Okoli, while presenting the award, commended Chief Onunkwo’s contributions to youth empowerment and community development, stating that the recognition was the first of its kind since the inception of ASATU.
“The award was organized to celebrate individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of their communities. Chief Onunkwo’s efforts have been exemplary, and we are proud to recognize his impact,” Okoli said.
The event also featured the unveiling of a compendium of role models and the launch of a N500 million project for ASATU Youth programs in 2025. Cultural performances and entertainment added vibrancy to the occasion, which was attended by other awardees and representatives from various communities.
Chief Onunkwo’s recognition reaffirms his status as a key advocate for youth development and his commitment to creating a brighter future for young people in Anambra State and beyond.
However, It was gathered that the award ceremony with the Theme; Celebrating Our Role Models, also featured Unveiling of Compendium of role models, Unveiling of N500 million naira naira projects for ASATU Youth programme for the year 2025, cultural dance/entertainment, the presence of the State President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwude, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, National President of ASATU, Barrister Titus Akpudo and representatives of other awardees
