The West African Youth Congress (WAYC), a prominent youth organization under the ECOWAS Youth Wing, has bestowed prestigious honors upon several distinguished individuals at the 2023 Distinguished Leadership Awards held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on October 3rd.
One of the standout honorees was the Social Welfare Secretary of the Alumni Association of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (AANI) Mrs. Favour Ugwuanyi mni, from Enugu State, founder of the FAN Foundation. Dr. Favour was awarded "The Exemplary Leader on Youth Empowerment" in recognition of her remarkable contributions to youth development in Nigeria. In a press release issued by WAYC's Secretary General and Head of Mission, Ambassador Almed Marafa Mohammed, it was revealed that Dr. Ugwuanyi had also been inducted into the organization's Advisory Council.
During her address, Dr. Favour praised the West Africa Youth Congress for their dedication to youth advocacy. She also urged African youths to acquire at least one or preferably three skills to not only thrive in the modern world but also to support their own families.
The core values of WAYC include Youth Development, Girl Child Development, Conflict Resolution, and Literacy Promotion. Dr. Favour Ugwuanyi's induction into the Advisory Council aligns with her extensive track record of empowering African youth through the FAN Foundation, which has been active for over two decades, reaching multiple countries and cities, including Nigeria and Enugu State.
The Secretary and Head of Mission of the West Africa Youth Congress, Ahmed Marafa Mohammed, stated that the decision to honor and induct Dr. Favour was based on her wealth of knowledge, leadership experience, and her commitment to humanity through the FAN Foundation.
The event drew a diverse crowd of youths and student representatives from across West Africa; Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, Côte D'Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Mali, etc, Dr. Favour Ugwuanyi's FAN Foundation is renowned for its scholarship programs, support for young girls facing challenges like unwanted pregnancies, mentorship, career sponsorship, premarital training, morality programs, welfare and spiritual support for drug-addicted youths, among other initiatives.
Among the other notable dignitaries honored at WAYS2023 were Prof. Abdalla Yakub, Dr. Regina Dimlong, Rear Admiral Jamila A.S. Malafa Mni, Prof. Augustine Uchechukwu Nweze, Col. Dr. Hassan Riba, Hajiya Mamal Halima Manga, Hajiya Maryam Salihu Ibrahim, and many others. These individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions to various fields and their dedication to the betterment of West Africa's future.
The West Africa Youth Congress has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the region's youth and promoting outstanding leadership across various domains
