Edward Onoja, Two Others Bag African Youth Role Model Prize »

The Deputy Governor of Kogi state, Chief Dr. Edward Onoja has been nominated for the African Youth Role Model Prize 2022 for his contributions to Youth Empowerment over the years.

According to the organisers, the deputy governor possesses extraordinary charisma and commitment to championing youth development and advancement in Nigeria.

Also penciled down for the prestigious continental awards for their service to youths and humanity are Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, the Honourable Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and Chief Mike Duru Ajiogu, the Managing Director of Citygate Homes Ltd.

The investiture and presentation of prizes shall be conferred on the respective Awardees at the National Youth Stakeholders Forum being organized by the African Youth Resource Centre, and scheduled to take place on Friday 12th August 2022 at Rockview Hotel Royale, Abuja.

A statement signed by the Director General of the Centre, Ben Duntoye, revealed that all the Awardees for the African Youth Role Model Prize were persons of proven integrity, who have excelled tremendously in their chosen careers while distinguishing themselves as role models to the young people of Africa, especially at this critical period where there is a dearth of credible positive role models and mentors to provide quality leadership orientation to the Youth.

Duntoye further disclosed that the National Youth Stakeholders Forum 2022 with theme; “Positive Youth Engagement, towards Peaceful General Elections in Nigeria,” is in commemoration of the 2022 International Youth Day as set aside by the United Nations, and promises to assemble the Leadership of various frontline Youth Associations and emerging political leaders in Nigeria; major and relevant State and Non-State Actors in the Youth Development Sector in Nigeria and Members of the Diplomatic Corps among others.

It was reported that various Youth Organizations had earlier nominated over 100 outstanding personalities that have positively influenced youths and young people within Nigeria and Africa for the Prize, and their names submitted to a Special Screening Committee set-up by the African Youth Resource Centre. The list of nominees was eventually reduced to the very few iconic role models that would be honoured at the 2022 Edition of International Youth Day celebration.