Head of Purchasing for Engineering, Construction and Projects at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, Dr Chinedu Ogwus, has been awarded the West Africa Youth Ambassador title and the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity by the West African Youth Council.

President of the West Africa Youth Council, Oluwafemi Emmanuel, who presented the honours to him in Lagos, said the awards were earned by individuals who dedicate themselves to the upliftment of others.

Emmanuel said the recognition aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, particularly youth empowerment, gender equality and community development.

He also urged other leaders to follow Ogwus’ example of meaningful service and impactful leadership.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Green Assembly and National Leader of the Nigeria Youths Organisation, Dr Duke Alamboye, urged communities to take ownership of local security efforts while urging the federal government to leverage Artificial Intelligence, AI, in combating rising insecurity.

Alamboye commended Ogwus for his investments in youth training through the Ogwus Youth Empowerment Initiative, which has transformed the lives of many young people, especially in the Niger Delta region.”

Also speaking, Mrs Ogwus congratulated her husband for the milestone achievement, noting that his lifelong dreams of societal impact and youth development were steadily coming to fruition.

Her husband, Ogwus, however, expressed deep gratitude to the West Africa Youth Council and pledged to expand his philanthropic efforts.

He highlighted the newly built Ogwus Youth Empowerment Complex, a facility dedicated to training youths and curbing pipeline vandalism and social vices in the Niger Delta.

Ogwus said the initiative offered vocational training and life skills aimed at helping young people become self-reliant and productive members of society.

He said: “We are building a future where our youths can thrive without resorting to crime.”

Those present at the event included the Director General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs, Dr Ade Mario; Dr CEO of Cluster World, Adekunle Badmus; renowned academic, Dr Adebanji Olumiji; and National Women’s Leader, Dr Chika Onyekwelu.

With this appointment, Ogwus steps into a continental leadership role as a torchbearer for integrity, youth-led innovation, and generational equity. His mission is to break barriers and build bridges for the next generation.

The ceremony featured symbolic decorations, including the presentation of an official letter of recognition, the Nelson Mandela Award plaque, goodwill messages, and a vibrant photo session to immortalize the moment.

Ogwus’ recognition signals a new dawn for leadership in Africa, one rooted in service, integrity, and visionary action. As a statesman for the future, he continues to inspire hope, ignite possibilities, and shape the narrative of a thriving and empowered African youth.