EXCLUSIVE: High Chief Patrick Jerry Onuokaibe Honoured at Enugu Skill Fest, Pledges Land for YADI Training Centre. First Choice Afro Villa MD/CEO Receives Iconic Royal Philanthropy Award, Promises Property Worth Over ₦50m to Support Youth Skills Development

ENUGU — A major highlight of the Enugu Skill Fest 2026 was the recognition of High Chief Engr. (Dr.) Patrick Jerry Onuokaibe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd and Igwe-Elect of Mburubu Ancient Kingdom, with an Iconic Royal Philanthropy Award for his contribution to philanthropy and community development.

The recognition took an even more significant turn when the businessman and traditional ruler-elect reciprocated the honour by pledging a parcel of land valued at over ₦50 million to support the proposed YADI Training Centre project.

The commitment emerged as one of the major empowerment and partnership moments at the festival, organised by the Youths Awakening and Development Initiative (YADI) to promote skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and opportunities for young people.

Following his recognition at the event, High Chief Onuokaibe announced his intention to support YADI's plan to establish a dedicated training centre.

According to the announcement made at the event, the proposed land donation is valued at more than ₦50 million and is intended to provide a foundation for the development of the training centre.

The proposed facility is expected to support YADI's broader objective of equipping young people with practical skills and creating a structured environment where emerging entrepreneurs and skilled youths can develop their abilities.

The Iconic Royal Philanthropy Award presented to Onuokaibe recognised his philanthropic profile and contribution to society.

As MD/CEO of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd, he has built a profile around business and community engagement, while his emergence as Igwe-Elect of Mburubu Ancient Kingdom adds a traditional leadership dimension to his public profile.

His decision to support YADI after receiving the award transformed the recognition into a practical commitment toward youth development.

For YADI, the proposed land donation represents a significant step toward its ambition of establishing a permanent training facility.

The organisation's activities have focused on skills development, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and creating opportunities for young people.

A dedicated training centre could provide a permanent platform for programmes designed to equip young people with practical and entrepreneurial skills.

The proposed partnership therefore connects philanthropy with a longer-term youth development objective.

The pledge was among several empowerment moments that characterised Enugu Skill Fest 2026.

The festival featured business exhibitions, networking, skills demonstrations, business grants, entrepreneurship opportunities, motivational speeches and recognition of individuals associated with leadership, business and community development.

The intervention by High Chief Onuokaibe added another dimension to the event by demonstrating how established business leaders and philanthropists can potentially support youth-focused initiatives beyond the duration of a single event.

The proposed land donation places High Chief Patrick Jerry Onuokaibe among the prominent personalities whose participation in Enugu Skill Fest extended beyond receiving an award.

He was honoured for philanthropy — and subsequently announced a commitment that could provide YADI with a physical foundation for expanding its training programmes.

For the organisers, the development represents an opportunity to transform the Skill Fest's message of “skills, opportunity and empowerment” into a longer-term institutional project.

From the award stage to a proposed training centre, High Chief Engr. (Dr.) Patrick Jerry Onuokaibe's appearance at Enugu Skill Fest 2026 became a moment where recognition was followed by a major pledge toward youth development.