By Oyem Jonathan
The Progressive Anioma Youth Association (PAYA) has honoured the Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sir Monday John Onyeme, FCA, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area, Hon. (Pastor) Jude Chukwunwike , and other distinguished sons and daughters of Anioma for their contributions to public service, governance, youth development and community advancement.
The recognitions were presented on Friday at the second edition of the PAYA Youth Summit, held at David’s Event Centre, Anwai Road, Asaba, Delta State.
The summit, convened by the former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Youth Mobilisation, High Chief Ambassador Mayor Enujeko, brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, youth stakeholders and other prominent personalities from across the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District.
A major highlight of the event was the formal decoration of the immediate past Governor of Delta State and former Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as the Grand Patron of PAYA.
The decoration, performed by the convener, High Chief Ambassador Mayor Enujeko, on behalf of the youth organisation, underscored the association’s recognition of Senator Okowa’s longstanding contributions to the development of Anioma, Delta State and Nigeria, as well as his continued engagement with issues affecting the younger generation.
In another significant moment, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday John Onyeme, was presented with a distinguished PAYA award by Senator Okowa in recognition of his contributions to public service and governance.
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, also received the Youth Impact Award for his commitment to youth inclusion, empowerment and purposeful grassroots leadership.
The recognition of Chukwunwike reflects the growing emphasis on youth participation as an essential component of sustainable local governance. His administration has continued to place youth development, empowerment and inclusion within the broader framework of its governance agenda, creating opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in community development and public affairs.
The award also speaks to the emerging culture of recognising grassroots leaders whose interventions extend beyond physical infrastructure to encompass human capital development, social inclusion and the creation of an enabling environment for younger citizens to thrive.
The summit, themed “Information Time,” was designed to stimulate meaningful conversations around information, leadership, political participation and the future of the Anioma people, particularly as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle.
In its broader context, the theme underscored the importance of informed citizenship, responsible political engagement and the need for young people to take an active role in shaping the narratives and leadership choices that will influence the future of their communities and the nation.
Other recipients of the PAYA awards included the Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili, PhD; the Executive Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Hon. Vincent Osilonya; the Executive Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Goddy Obi Nzete; and the Executive Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, among other distinguished awardees.
The event attracted an array of political, traditional and youth leaders, reflecting the growing relevance of PAYA as a platform for dialogue, recognition and youth mobilisation across Anioma.
Among the dignitaries present were the vice chairman of Aniocha South LGA, Hon. Patricia Adolue Ekwutozam, Elder Moses Iduh, Deputy Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC); the Obi of Ubulu Uno, HRM Obi Kikachukwu Henry Afamefunne, who was also a PAYA award recipient; and former National Assembly member, Hon. Pascal Lord Michael Adigwe.
Others included Aniocha South APC chairman, Pastor Norbert Akachukwu Sochukwudinma; the keynote speaker, Chief Prof. Mrs. Josephine Ngozi Mokwunye; Omu of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM. Edith Rafua; Comrade Benjamin Okocha Nduka, Convener of the BON Movement for Sheriff; traditional chiefs from various communities; youth leaders from across the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District; and other notable leaders of Anioma extraction.
The second PAYA Youth Summit therefore served not only as an avenue for celebrating individuals whose public service and community impact have distinguished them, but also as a platform for strengthening inter-generational dialogue, encouraging responsible youth participation and reaffirming the place of young people in the political and developmental future of Anioma.
