Dr. Chiji Ojukwu Bags West Africa Youth Parliament Empowerment Award
In a historic celebration of leadership and youth advocacy, Dr. Chiji Ojukwu has been conferred with the prestigious West Africa Youth Parliament Empowerment Award. The recognition, presented by the West Africa Youth Parliament (WAYP) in collaboration with leading regional youth organizations, honors individuals whose commitment has significantly advanced youth empowerment, skills acquisition, and leadership development across West Africa.
The award ceremony, held at the National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja, drew an impressive assembly of youth leaders, NYSC representatives, student union executives, and development advocates from across the region. The event was characterized by a vibrant atmosphere of celebration, collaboration, and a shared vision for nurturing the continent’s young talent.
At the center of the occasion was Dr. Chiji Ojukwu, the Managing Director of the Africa Projects Development Center (APDC), headquartered in Abuja. Under his strategic leadership, APDC has consistently delivered transformative programs in skills acquisition, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and community development, impacting hundreds of youths and setting a benchmark for youth empowerment in the region.
Speaking with Newsway Reporters, Dr. Ojukwu described the award as “a renewed mandate to deepen our commitment to Africa’s youth.” He elaborated:
“This recognition is not solely for me, but a celebration of every young person striving to reach their potential. At APDC, we focus on equipping youth with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. Our programs are designed to empower, inspire, and transform lives.”
He further emphasized the importance of collective effort in youth development:
“Youth empowerment is not the responsibility of one individual or organization—it requires collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society. By working together, we can ensure that every young person has access to opportunities that allow them to succeed. This award strengthens our resolve to expand these platforms and reach more communities.”
Representatives of the West Africa Youth Parliament hailed Dr. Ojukwu as “a visionary leader and catalyst for youth transformation whose initiatives have created pathways for meaningful engagement, leadership, and economic independence.” Similarly, the Nigerian Youth Council (NYCN) commended his commitment, noting APDC’s enduring role in fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility among young Africans.
Beyond the award itself, Dr. Ojukwu’s programs have set a new benchmark for youth empowerment across West Africa. Through targeted mentorship initiatives, digital literacy programs, and entrepreneurship training, he has enabled countless youths to acquire marketable skills, build sustainable ventures, and positively impact their communities. His work underscores the idea that investing in youth is essential for national and regional development.
The ceremony also offered a platform for dialogue, as youth delegates from across West Africa interacted with Dr. Ojukwu and other leaders, sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and exploring strategies to enhance youth engagement in governance, business, and community development. The event reaffirmed the pivotal role of empowered youth as drivers of economic and social transformation.
With this recognition, Dr. Chiji Ojukwu further consolidates his position as one of West Africa’s foremost champions of youth development. His unwavering commitment to creating opportunities, mentoring young leaders, and fostering sustainable growth continues to inspire a new generation, demonstrating the transformative power of dedicated, strategic youth empowerment initiatives.
