Stakeholders at the Values for Daily Living International [VDLI] inaugural annual conference have recommitted to continuing efforts in promoting ethical values and moral principles, inspiring positive change in individuals and communities worldwide.

The VDLI inaugural annual conference convened by Sandra Ani, was a resounding success, bringing together students, parents, scholars, educators, and community members to engage in meaningful discussions and celebrate achievements in value-based education.

The conference, held at the at The Parliament Hall, Post Primary School Management Board, Enugu State, attracted more than 1000 participants from various sectors, including education, business, healthcare, and government online and on-site.

The theme, “Take It Back: Building Today for a Greater Tomorrow” resonated deeply with attendees and speakers alike.

Prof. Peter Ndubueze Mbah (Ph.D.), the Hon. Commissioner of Education, Enugu State, in his keynote address emphasized the importance of integrating core values into every aspect of life, from personal interactions to professional endeavors.

He highlighted the need for a collective effort in nurturing a society grounded in respect, empathy, and honesty.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions.

During the panel session, discussants reiterated the role of the church, school, and home in restoring values to society was a key topic of the panel discussions.

This interactive session provided deep insights into shared responsibilities in moral value restoration.

These narratives provided a powerful reminder of the impact that integrity and compassion can have on society.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a renewed commitment to fostering values in their personal and professional lives. “This conference has reignited my passion for ethical leadership and community service,” said one participant. “I leave here today inspired and ready to make a difference.”

Sandra Ani, the convener, in her address expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of the conference. “Together, we have taken a significant step towards building a more compassionate and ethical society. I am confident that the conversations and connections made here will continue to inspire positive change in our communities.”

The event served as a platform for open dialogue and interactive learning, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in nurturing moral values within the community.

Other notable speakers included Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike, the chairman of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State; Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro, CEO of Evergreen Group; and Mr. David Folaranmi, an advocate of drug abuse and addiction recovery.

Essay Competition

Highpoint of the conference includes an essay contest which focused on senior secondary school students from both government and private schools on the topic: “What are the common reasons why teenagers might be tempted to experiment with drugs, and what strategies can they employ to resist peer pressure and make healthy choices regarding substance use?”

The contest attracted over 500 entries, which were narrowed down to 100 students for the second stage, and finally, 20 students made it to the finals.

During the conference, the top 20 essay writers were invited to receive an award of excellence. The top three essay winners were each given an award plaque, a gold medal, a certificate of excellence, and a cheque of 200,000 NGN for the second runner-up, 300,000 NGN for the first runner-up, and 500,000 NGN for the overall winner.

These students came from Anambra State, Osun State, and FCT Abuja, respectively. The remaining 17 students, representing Benue State, Kwara State, Ireland, Ebonyi State, and Enugu State, were awarded a gold medal and a certificate of excellence each.

Brand Ambassadors

All top 20 essay contest finalists were appointed as brand ambassadors of VDLI. Their faces will appear on billboards in five states of the country. As ambassadors, they are expected to uphold and promote the moral values advocated by VDLI in their various environments.

Awards and Recognitions

All speakers were presented with recognition awards from the organization. The Hon. Commissioner of Education received an award for his profound impact on enhancing education; Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike was recognized for empowering youths and transforming communities; Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro received an award for her outstanding contribution towards advancing education; and Mr. David Folaranmi was acknowledged for his efforts in creating awareness on drug abuse and helping people overcome addiction.

Special Presentations

A notable presentation on the role of the girl child in upholding Nigeria’s values and ethics was made by Akpem Comfort Msuurshima from Jewel Model Schools, Makurdi, Benue State.

Additionally, a cultural display by students of Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Enugu, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

About Values for Daily Living International Conference:

Values for Daily Living International (VDLI) is an organization dedicated to the global promotion of ethical values and moral principles. Founded in 2019, VDLI has been at the forefront of inspiring positive change in individuals of all ages. Through innovative programs, impactful initiatives, and engaging resources, VDLI strives to encourage individuals to lead more fulfilling lives, guided by morals such as honesty, integrity, and respect.

The mission is to use the teaching of values to change minds, thereby transforming lives.

VDLI’s vision is to cultivate a society deeply rooted in strong moral values, ensuring individuals contribute meaningfully to society.

The Organization emphasizes values such as Integrity, Leadership, Compassion, and Respect guide all aspects of VDLI’s work, from program development to community engagement.

The Ijesha Digital Hub has announced that 17 graduates from its first cohort are to receive job offers following their successful completion of the training program.

This significant milestone was announced to the ecstatic graduates and the huge crowd that had gathered to witness the historic event by the Keynote speaker and member of the Board of Trustees of Ijesa Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), esteemed industry leader Sir Aladekomo, chairman of SmartCity Resorts Plc and founder of Chams Plc..

The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 48 trainees who completed intensive training in various digital disciplines: 10 in UI/UX Design, 23 in Cybersecurity, and 15 in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning.

These graduates are now equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge and recognized professional certificates in their respective digital domains ready to embark on their professional journeys.

In a press statement, Dr. Cornelius Adewale, executive director of Ijesha Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), remarked, “The immediate job opportunities for our trainees are a testament to the hub’s commitment to providing skills development training today so that participants can build tomorrow. We are proud of the engagement framework, training delivery, monitoring mechanism, and effective assessment we have developed. This initiative has the potential to transform Nigeria into a digital economy powerhouse.”

Prince Abimbola Olashore, chairman of IGAD, added, “The success of the first cohort of Ijesha Digital Hub underscores the significant role that targeted training programs play in addressing the skills gap in the Nigerian tech industry. The job placements of these graduates not only validate the quality of the training provided but also highlight the growing demand for skilled professionals in UI/UX Design, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning.”

Dr. Adewale Alonge, vice president of IGAD, also emphasized the broader impact of this achievement, stating, “This milestone demonstrates the effectiveness of our comprehensive training approach and the dedication of our trainees. By equipping them with relevant skills, we are not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the overall growth and development of the tech sector in Nigeria.” Dr. Alonge noted that the achievement of the mission of the Hub would not have been possible without the dedication, commitment and leadership of the domain leaders, Dr: Adewale Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode, for Cybersecurity, assisted by Mr. Tunji Igbalajobi, Mr. Ebenezer Ajayi (AI/ Machine Learning), Mr. Femi Bakare (UI/UX Design) and their team of mentors and instructors.

The event was chaired by Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the esteemed Asiwaju of Ijeshaland, who delivered remarks celebrating the achievements of the graduates and the impact of the Innovation Hub on the local community and beyond.

The 48 graduates have achieved a minimum of one professional certificate (some have two or more) in their digital specialization and are poised for leadership position in the digital transformation of the Nigerian economy.

The Ijesha Digital Hub remains committed to its mission of fostering digital entrepreneurship incubation and acceleration and technological advancement, ensuring that more young Nigerians are prepared to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

One of the highlights of the historic event was the announcement of the launching soon of a 100 million Naira digital infrastructure fund for the “1000 Digital Workforce in 24 months” project, by US based world-renowned Engineering Professor Olu Olowokere. Dr. Babatunde Ojo, IGAD’s secretary and clinical medical director based in North Carolina, USA presented special awards to the six top graduates from the graduating class.

Twisco, known for “nourishing big dreams”, has successfully sponsored the third edition of the Spelling Genius competition.

The competition held recently at the SUBEB Multipurpose Hall, Maryland, Lagos, brought together over 1500 students and instructors from primary and secondary schools (state and private).

The contestants vied to showcase their spelling skills at the competition aimed to enhance vocabulary and spelling skills for successful learning.

Twisco awarded a total of ₦750,000 in prizes to the top three winners: ₦150,000 for the third place winner, ₦250,000 for the second place winner, and a grand prize of ₦350,000 for the first place winner.

Speaking to journalists at the event, Lillian Omorenuwa, the Brand Manager, Beverage Category at Promasidor Nigeria, said they are not only helping the children develop spelling skills and reading comprehension, but also bolstering their confidence and communication skills as well.

“At the heart of Twisco is empowering young minds; one word at a time. Yes. We have been doing because the children are dear to us and we stand for their well-being”, Lillian added.