By Sunday Ani
Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) has appointed Dike Ebubedike as youth ambassador.
He was also presented with the prestigious Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity recently.
The appointment was announced in an official letter from the West African Youth Council, which noted that it was in recognition of his dedication, hard work, and diligence in the service to humanity.
The regional body which described Ebubedike as a relentless crusader for promoting development for African youths, equally expressed optimism that his recognition by ECOWAS would solidify all he stands for.
Speaking at the event, renowned Nigerian comedian, Owen Osemwengie, popularly known as Owen Gee, said the Youth Council created the leadership award to honour youths who have distinguished themselves in various capacities and professions in West Africa.
He added that the council deemed it fit to give him the honour of the EYC Ambassador Leadership Award of Excellence, due to his representation at all levels for young people in the health and wellness sector.
While appreciating the organisation, Ebubedike said it was an opportunity to promote health, and wellness in people.
“I find it very disturbing that some are suffering different ailments that are curable, and some due to lack of awareness, die in the process.
“I have had cause to treat a lot of patients without taking a penny from them,” he said.
He described the honour as a morale booster for him and promised to be a worthy ambassador at all levels in the local and international community.
Ebubedike is a health wellness enthusiast and a physical therapist with a niche for pain eradication.
He manages a therapy home that specialises in managing muscle, bone, pain, joints, and nerve pain, especially in children with birth disorders and growth delays and senior citizens with arthritis.
His passion for community service has seen him embarking on projects like ‘Walk for Health’ which is a project to encourage a healthy system with long walks for adults, and also the ‘Older People’s Day,’ meant for the celebration of senior citizens, who are 60 years and above.