Akwukwu-Igbo, the headquarters of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, witnessed an inspiring display of love, pride, and communal spirit as it honoured one of its rising stars, Miss Chelsea Amaka Iweanyi, for her exemplary leadership and contributions to humanity and community development.
The event, held on Friday, 5th December 2025 at the Akwukwu-Igbo Town Hall and streamed live by online TV, drew an impressive crowd of both young and elderly attendees who gathered to celebrate Miss Iweanyi and listen to the guest speaker, Prof. (Mrs.) Joyce Ogho Ogwezi, a renowned communication specialist and Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Dr. Newton Jibunoh, the Nnaobodo of Akwukwu-Igbo, conveyed the royal blessings of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) David Azuka, the Obi of Akwukwu-Igbo.
Chief Jibunoh described the event as a reaffirmation of one of the core values of the community, which is rewarding good deeds and discouraging negative conduct. He praised Miss Iweanyi for bringing pride to the town and urged her to remain focused, as she now symbolises a torch bearer entrusted with greater responsibility.
Prof. Ogwezi delivered a profound and intellectually stimulating lecture on the theme:
“Value Reconstruction and Civic Responsibility: A Catalyst for Sustainable Community Development.” She emphasised that value reconstruction is essential in nurturing rational thinking, strengthening communal cohesion, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting healthier social communication.
In a passionate call to action, she cautioned against the indiscriminate sale of ancestral lands to non-indigenes; a practice she warned could erode cultural and generational values. She urged the community to think generationally and safeguard the inheritance of future children.
Prof. Ogwezi further commended the honouree for her courage, encouraging her to remain persistent and undistracted in pursuit of her passions.
The President-General of the Akwukwu-Igbo Community Development Association, Chief Ikechukwu Iwegbu, congratulated Miss Iweanyi on her achievements and charged the youth to emulate her exemplary conduct.
Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, fnipr, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Delta State Chapter, stressed the urgent need for value rebirth and character regeneration among Nigerian youths.
He explained that the theme of the lecture was both timely and compelling, noting that the purpose of the gathering extended beyond celebrating Miss Iweanyi’s outstanding service during her National Youth Service in Kaduna; where she rebuilt a clinic at her place of primary assignment. Her remarkable feat earned her a prestigious national award presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Mr. Osakwe underscored the importance of positive ventures, advising young people to uphold strong virtues; to stay focused, and remain unwavering despite their background or present challenges.
Mr. Daniel Anazia, a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow, encouraged youths to leverage digital tools for personal development and community service. He urged them to position themselves as catalysts of transformational leadership for sustainable development.
In her emotionally charged remarks, Miss Iweanyi shared her journey marked by hardship, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. She spoke about her humble beginnings and how her determination, grounded in trust in God, paved the way for her achievements.
She highlighted the work of her NGO, which focuses on; rehabilitation of drug addicts, advocacy for unpaid workers and supporting children’s education with essential learning materials. She encouraged young people to cultivate resilience and maintain strong faith as they work toward their goals.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of gifts to Miss Iweanyi by the Akwukwu-Igbo community. The event also featured the launch of a Plastic Recycling Receptacle Initiative, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and best practices within Akwukwu-Igbo and its environs.
The event attracted notable stakeholders, including: Chief Sunny Okonta, the Odogwu of Akwukwu-Igbo, Her Royal Highness, Omu Grace Ekwutoziam Osibe, the Omu of Akwukwu-Igbo, Rev. Father Francis O. Ofozor, the Parish Priest, St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Akwukwu-Igbo, and several traditional title holders, community leaders, and distinguished men and women across the community.