The members of Ultimate Destiny Uplifters Foundation, UDUF Africa have charged African youths to always imbibe the spirit of innovation, hard work, sincerity, patience, resilience and perseverance as their own way of life.
UDUF Africa Founder, Dr. Chinedu Smart who gave the charge at Hiltop, Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state during this year’s Africa Day celebration organized by the foundation, said rather than engaging in Internet frauds, ritual acts, street begging, political thuggery, armed robbery, kidnapping and other social vices, our youths should engage themselves in meaningful ventures so as to integrate themselves into the ongoing development strategies across the globe.
Lamenting that Africa is lagging behind in most of the modern technologies, despite the fact that the craddles of civilization started in the continent, Smart said although Africa’s human capital is yet to be properly developed, just as our leaders are not properly mentored, our youths should redouble their efforts at catching up with the current modern tide at the global level.
Flanked by the board members and executive directors of UDUF Africa, including Christopher Uchenna, Blessing Asonye and others, Smart insisted that for Africa to measure up with the current trend of developments and progress across the globe, our youths should brace up for the challenges ahead by engaging themselves meaningfully in innovations of non existent businesses for themselves.
According to the founder, “in UDUF Africa, just like our name implies, we uplift our members by teaching them how to squeeze water from the stone with patience, perseverance and innovation in business circle, even in the midst of existing conflicts and limited access to education that are abound in the African continent”.
The Keynote Speaker, Mr Ozii Baba Anieto who spoke on the theme – Justice for Africa and People of African Descent through Reparation” enlightened participants on the importance of culture, heritage, and identity. He emphasized that the pride, prestige, and values of the Igbo people—and Africa at large—must be preserved and passed on. He called on both elders and the younger generation to take ownership of African history and culture as a source of strength and pride.
In her own speech, Executive Director, African Day Celebration,2025, Blessing Asonye noted that with the theme of this year’s Africa Day celebration titled: “Justice for Africans and people of African Descent through Reparation”, UDUF is still doing a research to find a way of correcting the anomalies subjected to Africans as according to her, for too long, Africa and her descendants have borne the weight of Injustice from the scars of slavery to the shadows of colonization, from economic exploitation to social exclusion.
“Reparation is not just about financial repayment. It is about truth, healing and the restoration of dignity to a people who have given so much to the world and received so little in return. This year, we raise our voices in unity to say the time for justice is now”.
“Africa is not broken. It is brilliant. We are the birth place of civilization, the cradle of culture and the home strength. Across the continent and in the Diaspora, Africans continue to lead in science, innovation, arts and enterprises, yet system unequality still robs many of opportunity and peace”.
“But we will not be defined by pain. We will be defined by our power, our progress and our unity. Let this Africa Day mark a turning point where we no longer wait to be recognized but take our place, demand justice and rebuild what was broken”.
Highlights of the event were Spoken Words competition, dance competition by women group and distribution of merit awards to some dignitaries, including the traditional ruler of Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Igwe Obiorah Anachuna who incidentally was the Chief Host at the occasion.
The dancing competition saw Ogoamaka Age Grade clinch first position with a 100,000 naira cash reward, while Ifeamaka Age Grade came second, just as Njikoka Age Grade clinched third position and were rewarded accordingly. In the schools category, Ebenezer Model Secondary School came first with 48 points and grabbed N30,000.
In all about 14 Persons received awards for community development. They include the traditional ruler of Nkwelle-Ezunaka Community,Igwe Obiora Anachuna, Lady Organizer, Mrs. Christiana Ejike; Sir Chinedu Jude Nwokedi, leader of Nkwelle-Ezunaka Youths Association, NEYA. Others were Obinna Ekwensi, Chief Emeka Agulue, Ogbuefi Amby Anyakorah, Chief Vin Nwankwo, among others.
The traditional prime minister of Nkwelle-Ezunaka (Onowu), Ogbuefi Willie Okafor who received the award on behalf of Igwe Anachuna, also received his own award and commended UDUF for choosing Nkwelle-Ezunaka as venue for the ceremony.
A group of real estate developers known as Creative Builders Global Resources Limited, through it’s Chairman, Dr. Paul Alphonsus Nworie, commended UDUF Africa for it’s resourcefulness and indicated interest in associating with them.
The event drew a diverse and impactful audience, including President General of Nkwelle-Ezunaka Community,chiefs, ogbuefis, Nkwelle Ezunaka Women Wing, Youth Executive and Members, and other respected dignitaries and stakeholders.
One of the awardees, Ogbuefi Vitalis Nwakobi (Ugosinachi), a respected pillar in the community, expressed heartfelt appreciation to UDUF Africa and encouraged the organization to continue its mission. In his words, “Africa is in need of such a foundation that believes in community service and human capital development.”
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