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 2nd edition of the Values for Daily Living (VDL) International Conference with the theme In Pursuit of Excellence was successfully held on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the Base Landmark Event Centre in Enugu, Nigeria, bringing together key national stakeholders, development partners, parents, school owners, teachers and youth advocates to reignite conversations around rebuilding Nigeria on the foundation of values.

Organized by the Help Sphere Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to the advancement of values education, climate action, and humanitarian causes, the conference was convened by Mrs. Sandra Ani, President of the Foundation and visionary initiator of the VDL Project.

This year’s conference, themed “IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE” attracted distinguished personalities including the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, as well as delegations from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Members of Education community, parents, religious institutions, civil society organizations, the media and other critical stakeholders.

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 noted that what started as a small 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.

A key highlight of the conference was the Grand Finale of the 2025 VDL National Essay Competition, which recorded over 800 entries from students across tertiary and secondary institutions across the country.

The top 20 finalists competed in Enugu, with Dickson Sunday from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State emerging as the winner of the Tertiary Category, receiving a ₦1,000,000 cash prize, while Amarachi Nkemakolam Moses from Federal Government Girls College, Lagos, clinched the Secondary School Category, going home with ₦500,000.

While the top two (2) Finalists in both categories all got consolation prizes, the most outstanding 20 finalists were also formally decorated as VDL Ambassadors and will lead values advocacy campaigns across their various states and institutions promoting integrity, empathy, discipline, and civic responsibility among young Nigerians.

In his keynote speech, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, the Director General of the NOA, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with organizations like the Help-Sphere Foundation in promoting civic values and ethical reorientation across the nation.

Other speakers and panelists echoed the need for collective responsibility among government, schools, families, and communities to rebuild Nigeria on strong moral foundations.

The conference ended with renewed enthusiasm among participants, partners, and young people to drive 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 Igbobi College Old Boys Association (ICOBA) has proudly announced the inauguration of Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, as the 12th President and Chairman of Council of the association.

The inauguration which took place during the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Rev. Angus Memorial Hall, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos drew distinguished alumni, dignitaries, and friends of the college, all gathered to celebrate this significant milestone in ICOBA’s legacy of tradition, leadership, nobility, and service.

In his inaugural address, Badejo-Okusanya expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him by the ICOBA community and reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening the bonds among old boys, advancing the college’s mission, and fostering a culture of excellence and service.

“This moment is not just about me but about the generations of Igbobians who have passed through these hallowed halls and contributed to the making of our nation. Together, we will strengthen ICOBA’s impact and ensure its values remain relevant for future generations,” he stated.

He further said that he chose Igbobi College first, but today, Igbobi College has chosen him in turn. His only assignment as the 12th President of ICOBA is to leave the association better than he met it, building an inclusive, purpose-driven ICOBA where no set, no branch, no decade is left behind.

Highlighting the association’s traditions, he mentioned that Igbobi College is not just an institution.

It is a tradition that distinguishes us as Noble Nigerians in thought, creed, and deed.

He added that the tradition must be preserved, protected, and promoted as well as worn proudly as a badge, much to the envy of other alumni associations.

Setting the tone for his tenure, Badejo-Okusanya unveiled a bold and inclusive agenda aimed at revitalizing ICOBA and deepening its impact across generations.

“We will build a formidable ICOBA Endowment Fund, drive significant improvements in the College’s infrastructure, facilitate the construction of a new hostel for Parker House, enhance students’ welfare, project the Igbobi College brand globally, and foster a more cohesive, inclusive ICOBA.” He said.

A renowned communications strategist and industry leader, Mr. Badejo-Okusanya brings decades of experience in corporate leadership and public relations to his new role. His tenure is expected to further consolidate ICOBA’s initiatives in education, mentorship, and community development.

Badejo-Okusanya is one of Africa’s leading public relations practitioners, with decades of experience in government relations, perception management, and crisis communications.

A Fellow and past Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of NIPR, he has served on the Board of IPRA, is a two-term Secretary-General and current President of APRA, and recently became West Africa Chair of PRCA.

His numerous awards include the PR Golden Eagle Award, Bob Ogbuagu Leadership Award, and induction into the ICCO PR Hall of Fame.