To the glory of God, the Youth Development and Skill Support Foundation (YDASSF) was officially unveiled on 1st March 2025 at Queen of The Rosary Secondary School in Nsukka. The event marked the long-awaited introduction of this transformative youth empowerment initiative.
The ceremony began with the dramatic unveiling of the foundation’s banner, symbolising the official launch of YDASS Foundation and inauguration of the trustees. This public display signified a new beginning for youth empowerment in the region and the rest of Nigeria and set the tone for a day filled with purpose and communal celebration.
The energy in the room was unmistakable. As the trustees, guests of honour, and all present danced with joy, the spirit of unity and gratitude filled the space. Every step and smile reflected their shared belief in the life-changing mission of the foundation and a deep commitment to uplifting the community.
A particularly touching moment came when the founder’s aged mother, Ezinne Margaret Ugwuanyi—the revered matriarch of the Ugwuanyi family of Nru, Nsukka—cut the ceremonial cake. Although the focus was on the inauguration, her 80th birthday celebration added a special double significance to the occasion, symbolising legacy and new beginnings.
The YDASS Foundation is dedicated to providing young people with quality education, skill acquisition, mentorship, and leadership development. In a remarkable highlight, the foundation awarded cash prizes to 20 deserving indigent students from various parts of the Nsukka zone, enabling them to register for their National Examination Council (NECO) examinations—a direct investment in their future success. The beneficiaries expressed their profound gratitude to the foundation for the rare opportunity.
In his inaugural speech, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Faustinus Ik. Ugwuanyi, the founder of the Youth Development and Skill Support Foundation (YDASSF), represented by Dr. Mrs. Theresa Ugwuanyi, highlighted the numerous societal challenges that have intensified life’s hardships, particularly for the less privileged. He emphasised that these challenges inspired the establishment of the Foundation, which aims to alleviate such hardships through education and skills acquisition.
Esteemed dignitaries graced the event. Among them were Rev. Fr. Valentine Idoko, the administrator of QRSS Nsukka; the school principal, Mrs. Orby Odo; and His Lordship Chinyere Abba. In their various speeches, they praised the organisers for their timely and impactful support to the students. The Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Malachy Agbo, the Enugu State Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Reduction—represented by Mr. Uchenna Ozomgbachi—commended the founders for their thoughtful initiative, urging beneficiaries to fully seize this opportunity.
The enthusiasm was palpable among the girl students in attendance. Their heartfelt expressions of joy and gratitude underscored the importance of such initiatives and how these opportunities spark hope and motivation among the youth.
In conclusion, the launch of the YDASS Foundation was a momentous occasion—a day of official unveiling, spirited celebration, and a double tribute as it coincided with the birthday of a cherished matriarch. The event not only set the foundation’s course but also inspired a community to dream of a brighter, more empowered future.