YESS Convener, Dr. Nelson Obinna Bags Outstanding Youth Leadership Award in Unizik

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

It was a well-deserved recognition, as the Mass Communication Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Awka, bestowed a prestigious award on Dr. Nelson Omenugha, the Convener of Youths Earnestly Seek Soludo (YESS). 

A former Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof. Paul Orajiaka made the presentation of the award at the event of marking the silver jubilee celebration of the Mass Communication Department of Unizik and maiden alumni homecoming of the Department.

Presenting the award, Prof. Orajiaka described Omenugha as a hardworking young man who has distinguished himself both academically, leadership wise and otherwise; and noted that the award was well deserved, urging him to continue the good work and being outstanding.

Responding, the awardee, Dr. Omenugha appreciated the Department for the recognition, congratulated her for the feats attained over the past 25 years; even as he promised never to relent, and advised the students to remain focused in their studies.

Dr Nelson Omenugha was admitted as a full-time regular student into Mass Communication Department of UNIZIK in 2008. On admission and in his year one of study, he was elected the Class Representative, a position he meritoriously held until 2009 when he resigned to contest the Presidency of the Students’ Union Government. He won and at age of 19, and became the first, and so far, the only Mass Communication Student to be elected President of UNIZIK Students’ Union Government. He contested the election with an outstanding cumulative CGPA of 4.65.

Omenugha broke the jinx and set record as the first year 2 student to ever win the keenly contested Students' Union Presidential Election. As the Students' Union Government President, he demonstrated leadership dexterity, championing creative initiatives, advocacies & interventions. His administration had received over 50 awards, including several letters of commendation from the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof Boniface Egboka, FAS, the then Dean Students’ Affair, Prof Au Nonyelu, PHF, the Consumer Protection Council and the National Blood Transfusion Service.

Among others, Omenugha's administration introduced and facilitated the operation of 49 tricycles in UNIZIK. Currently, the number of tricycles has grown to over 300, advancing the flexibility, free and easy movement of members and visitors of the university community. The administration advocated and actually was the first to organize all students’ week activities inside the university, against the prevalent norm of using hotels in town.

Through student-plant-a-tree initiative, the administration mobilized students to take action towards protecting the mother-earth, including the university community. This SUG initiative has blossomed into Nelson’s current interest in green environment & renewable energy. These initiatives advance sustainable project management as well as promote healthy culture and living.

Dr Omenugha graduated in record time, top in his class with cumulative CGPA of 4.41, winning the 2011/12 Vice Chancellor Merit Award for the Best Graduating Student. Upon graduation in 2012 & within the space of 8 years (2020), Nelson successfully completed his National Youth Service, undertaking dual Master's programmes and completed his doctorate. He has continued to break new grounds and taken inspiring steps to the admiration of many, including the Department of Mass Communication, UNIZIK.

Omenugha was a participant at the 2015 Unilever Europe Future Leaders’ League, Surrey-England and 2017 Coady International Institute Global Youth Leadership program in Antigonish-Canada. He served as African Students Ambassador, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou-China. 

Currently, he is convening the most progressive and upwardly mobile socio-political advocacy movement, Youths Earnestly Seek Soludo (YESS), advocating for a more prosperous and greater homeland with Ex-CBN Boss, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR. Mother UNIZIK through the current Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone, FAS, has offered him a lecturing position in the Department of Mass Communication to contribute his quota in nurturing future communicators. The Department of Mass Communication gave him the Outstanding Youth Leadership Award, to encourage him to keep faith with the good work he is doing.

Other awardees at the event include: Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna (Pillar, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha (Education Leadership Award); Sen. Andy Ubah (Grand Patron, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); HRH Igwe Prof Onuora Nwuneli (Ogboo Ogu 1 of Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); Prof. Nnamdi Ekeanyanwu (Distinguished Alumnus Ambassador Award, Mass Communication Department, Unizik); Sen. Obinna Ogba (Youth Motivator Award); Chief Okey Nwosu (Youth Motivator Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); Prof A. U. John-Kamen (Pathfinder, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); Ifeanyi Igwebike Mbanefo (Youth Motivator Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); Ms Dora Mmuo (Long Service Award (Non  Teaching Staff), Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK).

Others are Deji Bademosi (Outstanding Alumnus Ambassador Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); Chief Godwin Chukwueloka Agbasimelo (Eminent Youth Mobilizer Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); Prof Godson Okechukwu Okafor (Long Service Award (Academic Staff), Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); Emeka Aginam (Outstanding Alumnus Ambassador Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); Hon. Chris Azubogu (Youth Motivator Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK); Mr Ikenna Okpani (Outstanding Alumnus Ambassador Award, Mass Communication Department UNIZIK); and Hon. Kingsley Udechukwu (Youth Motivator Award, Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK).