The President of HelpSphere Foundation and visionary initiator of the Values for Daily Living (VDL) Project, Mrs. Sandra Ani, has reaffirmed her commitment to rebuilding Nigeria through values education and youth reorientation.

This came during the 2nd edition of the Values for Daily Living (VDL) International Conference, themed “In Pursuit of Excellence”, held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Base Landmark Event Centre, Enugu, Nigeria.

The conference, organized by the HelpSphere Foundation, brought together key national stakeholders, development partners, parents, school owners, teachers, and youth advocates to reignite conversations around rebuilding Nigeria on the foundation of values.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Ani reflected on the growth of the VDL Project, which began as her personal initiative during her National Youth Service in Akwa Ibom State in 2013. She recalled that what started as a modest community development effort, renovating an orphanage home, empowering youths, and providing eye care for the vulnerable, has now evolved into a nationwide values advocacy movement touching lives across Nigeria.

“The journey of Values for Daily Living is a testimony that one person’s vision, when fueled by purpose and consistency, can transform into a national movement,” Mrs. Ani said, expressing gratitude to partners, educators, and students who continue to uphold the ideals of integrity, discipline, and empathy in their daily pursuits.

A major highlight of the conference was the Grand Finale of the 2025 VDL National Essay Competition, which attracted over 800 entries from tertiary and secondary institutions nationwide.

Dickson Sunday from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, emerged the winner of the Tertiary Category, receiving a ₦1,000,000 cash prize, while Amarachi Nkemakolam Moses from the Federal Government Girls College, Lagos, clinched the Secondary School Category, taking home ₦500,000.

Beyond the competition, the top 20 finalists were formally decorated as VDL Ambassadors, a prestigious recognition that mandates them to lead values advocacy campaigns across their respective states and institutions, promoting integrity, empathy, discipline, and civic responsibility among young Nigerians.

In his keynote address, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, commended Sandra Ani’s initiative, describing it as a “timely intervention in Nigeria’s value reorientation journey.”

He reaffirmed the NOA’s readiness to collaborate with HelpSphere Foundation to strengthen civic education and ethical leadership among young Nigerians.

Other speakers and panelists emphasized the need for a collective commitment by government, schools, families, and communities to rebuild Nigeria on strong moral foundations.

The conference ended with renewed enthusiasm among participants, partners, and youth advocates to sustain the Values for Daily Living Campaign, a movement that continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerians to live right, lead right, and influence right.

The Awba-Ofemili Development Union (ADU), Abuja Branch, has emerged the star prize winner at the 2025 edition of the Anambra Day celebration held in Abuja, outshining all other participating community associations.

Confirming the results, the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Anambra State Towns People Association (ASTPA), Abuja, and representative of Nteje, Engr. Charles Ekwuagana, disclosed that Awba-Ofemili clinched the top position with a total of 266 points.

According to the official result sheet signed by Ekwuagana, Enugwu-Agidi emerged first runner-up with 257 points, while Awkuzu placed third with 251 points. Rounding up the top 10 were Nteje (245 points), Achina, Nnewi, and Ezinifite (236 points each), followed by Onitsha (233), Obosi (229), Ihiala (223), Ekwulobia (220), and Umueri (219).

Reacting to the victory, the Chairman of ADU Abuja and Managing Director of Top-run Integrated Services Limited, Mr. Tochukwu Remmy Okolo, said the feat demonstrates the power of unity, teamwork, and collective vision among the people of Awba-Ofemili.

“This win proves that whatever we believe in and pursue with unity can be achieved. Our uncompromised love for one another remains the bond that transcends any political divide,” he stated.

Okolo emphasized that teamwork and community participation were central to the achievement, especially the dedication of the organizing committee and branch executives.

“As a community, our primary aim was to showcase our rich cultural heritage rather than chase the prize money. Above all, we give glory to God,” he said.

Also speaking, a patron of ADU Abuja Branch and Chief Executive of Edinho Nigeria Limited, Chief Nnamdi Edmond Okafor (Ikemba), described the award as a defining moment for the community.

“Awba-Ofemili is no longer an obscure town in Nigeria but now a star town from Anambra State. This recognition places us on the map, and it strengthens our voice when seeking development support from the government,” he declared.

Chief Okafor attributed the community’s outstanding performance to the spectacular display of the Ijele Enugwuagu Masquerade, the cultural dance troupe, and the symbolic use of rice leaves, which signified Awba-Ofemili’s reputation as one of Anambra’s leading rice-producing communities.

“Culture is a unifier. Everyone came together for one cause – Awba-Ofemili. I urge our youth to emulate this spirit and focus on initiatives that unite rather than divide us,” he said, stressing that collective development benefits both the present and future generations.

In his remarks, the President General of ASTPA Abuja, Sir Arinze Anadu (Nwachinemelu), commended all participating communities for their spirit of unity and cultural pride, describing the event as “the largest Igbo cultural carnival outside Igboland.”

“The success of this year’s Anambra Day proves that when we Ndi Anambra come together in love and purpose, we achieve great things. This unity and cultural pride must continue to guide us as we build a stronger Anambra family in Abuja and beyond,” he affirmed.

South Africa has officially secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda in their final Group C fixture.

This marks Bafana Bafana’s return to the World Cup finals through qualification for the first time since they hosted in 2010.

Decisive Victory, Turbulent Qualifying Run

South Africa’s qualification was not without controversy. Earlier in the campaign, FIFA stripped Bafana Bafana of a 2-0 win over Lesotho, converting it into a 3-0 loss after ruling that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to play.
Despite this setback, the team showed resilience and integrity, clinching the win over Rwanda to seal their place in the World Cup.

Aftermath & Implications in Group C

The sanctions imposed earlier reshaped the dynamics of Group C, opening paths for Nigeria and other teams to capitalize.
With the point deduction applied, South Africa’s qualification became even more critical.

What’s Next

South Africa will now prepare for the global stage, while other teams in Group C aim to finish their qualifying campaigns on a high note. Nigeria, the Super Eagles, now have renewed hope after the point deduction. If they win their remaining matches and favorable results fall their way, they could advance either via group positioning or through the playoffs.