Speaking at the event, Engr. Yakubu Nurudeen Yahaya, Head of Mission and Secretary-General of YOCEN, described the award as a tribute to individuals whose commitment to societal progress serves as inspiration for young Nigerians nationwide.

“Pharm. Udeh’s advocacy for empathy among healthcare professionals, her innovative approach to education, and her community-driven initiatives embody the essence of transformative leadership we seek to promote. Her work clearly demonstrates how professional excellence can be leveraged as a powerful tool for societal impact,” he stated.

The conference also featured a keynote address delivered on behalf of Dr. Stanley Jacob, President of the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR), highlighting the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in vocational and youth education.

The keynote emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to integrate emerging technologies into its educational framework to adequately prepare young people for a rapidly evolving global workforce. It noted that every delay in adopting AI and digital literacy represents a missed opportunity for Nigerian youths to compete, innovate, and excel on the global stage.

In her reaction to the honor, Pharm. Udeh expressed profound gratitude to YOCEN for recognizing her efforts in education, mentorship, and national development. She encouraged the organization and its volunteers to remain committed to their mission, noting that while every planting season presents challenges, the eventual harvest always justifies the effort.

She stressed that current investments in mentorship, education, and technological advocacy will ultimately yield a generation of Nigerians who are globally competitive, innovative, and transformational in outlook.

Pharm. Udeh further called on government authorities and policymakers to prioritize the integration of ICT and AI into Nigeria’s national curriculum. According to her, while Nigerian youths are hardworking and resilient, the demands of the modern era require smart work powered by digital skills and AI proficiency.

She reaffirmed her commitment to partnering with YOCEN to amplify this advocacy, emphasizing that AI should be embraced not as a threat but as a strategic tool to enhance Nigeria’s creativity, resilience, and capacity for sustainable nation-building.

The award also recognizes her long-standing contributions to improving access to essential medicines, advancing healthcare education, supporting scholarships, promoting community development, and championing sustainable national growth.

YOCEN described Pharm. Udeh’s achievements as a benchmark for leadership that successfully bridges professional excellence with social responsibility.

The conference convened educators, youth leaders, industry professionals, and policymakers, all united by a shared vision of promoting quality education, technological literacy, and youth empowerment across Nigeria. Pharm. Judith Ngozi Udeh’s recognition stands as a testament to the enduring impact of leadership that inspires, equips, and empowers the next generation to build a smarter and more prosperous Nigeria.