This came during the 2nd edition of the Values for Daily Living (VDL) International Conference, themed “In Pursuit of Excellence”, held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Base Landmark Event Centre, Enugu, Nigeria.

The conference, organized by the HelpSphere Foundation, brought together key national stakeholders, development partners, parents, school owners, teachers, and youth advocates to reignite conversations around rebuilding Nigeria on the foundation of values.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Ani reflected on the growth of the VDL Project, which began as her personal initiative during her National Youth Service in Akwa Ibom State in 2013.

She recalled that what started as a modest community development effort, renovating an orphanage home, empowering youths, and providing eye care for the vulnerable, has now evolved into a nationwide values advocacy movement touching lives across Nigeria.

“The journey of Values for Daily Living is a testimony that one person’s vision, when fueled by purpose and consistency, can transform into a national movement,” Mrs. Ani said, expressing gratitude to partners, educators, and students who continue to uphold the ideals of integrity, discipline, and empathy in their daily pursuits.

A major highlight of the conference was the Grand Finale of the 2025 VDL National Essay Competition, which attracted over 800 entries from tertiary and secondary institutions nationwide.

Dickson Sunday from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, emerged the winner of the Tertiary Category, receiving a ₦1,000,000 cash prize, while Amarachi Nkemakolam Moses from the Federal Government Girls College, Lagos, clinched the Secondary School Category, taking home ₦500,000.

Beyond the competition, the top 20 finalists were formally decorated as VDL Ambassadors, a prestigious recognition that mandates them to lead values advocacy campaigns across their respective states and institutions, promoting integrity, empathy, discipline, and civic responsibility among young Nigerians.

In his keynote address, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, commended Sandra Ani’s initiative, describing it as a “timely intervention in Nigeria’s value reorientation journey.”

He reaffirmed the NOA’s readiness to collaborate with HelpSphere Foundation to strengthen civic education and ethical leadership among young Nigerians.

Other speakers and panelists emphasized the need for a collective commitment by government, schools, families, and communities to rebuild Nigeria on strong moral foundations.

The conference ended with renewed enthusiasm among participants, partners, and youth advocates to sustain the Values for Daily Living Campaign, a movement that continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerians to live right, lead right, and influence right.

He gave the commendation while delivering the keynote address at the 2nd edition of the Values for Daily Living (VDL) International Conference, themed “In Pursuit of Excellence,” held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Base Landmark Event Centre, Enugu.

Organized by the HelpSphere Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to advancing values education, climate action, and humanitarian causes, the conference, also known as the “TAKE IT BACK Conference”, brought together key national stakeholders, development partners, educators, parents, youth advocates, and civic leaders to reignite conversations on rebuilding Nigeria on the foundation of core values.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Sandra Ani, President of the Foundation and Convener of the VDL Movement, emphasized that:

“Our nation stands at a defining moment, as the place of character quietly slips away”.

She noted that this drift from the values that once held us together has left visible cracks in our homes, institutions, and society, revealing that the crisis we face is not simply one of governance, but a moral crisis. Renewal, she affirmed, begins with families that nurture virtue, young people that embody purpose, and a society that chooses to let values lead once again, so that true excellence and national transformation can be restored.

A major highlight of the conference was the Grand Finale of the 2025 VDL National Essay Competition, which recorded over 800 entries from secondary and tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Dickson Sunday from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, emerged as winner of the tertiary category, receiving ₦1,000,000, while Amarachi Nkemakolam Moses from Federal Government Girls College, Lagos, clinched the secondary school category, winning ₦500,000.

Other finalists received consolation prizes and were decorated as VDL Ambassadors, tasked with championing values advocacy campaigns in their respective states and institutions.

In his address, Mallam Issa Onilu described the initiative as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s value reorientation journey, reaffirming NOA’s readiness to collaborate with the HelpSphere Foundation to deepen civic education and promote ethical leadership among young Nigerians.

Other speakers and panelists echoed the call for collective responsibility among government, schools, families, and communities in rebuilding Nigeria’s moral foundations.

The conference concluded with renewed enthusiasm among participants and partners to advance the Values for Daily Living Campaign, a movement inspiring a new generation of Nigerians to live right, lead right, and influence right.

Stakeholders at the Values for Daily Living International [VDLI] inaugural annual conference have recommitted to continuing efforts in promoting ethical values and moral principles, inspiring positive change in individuals and communities worldwide.

The VDLI inaugural annual conference convened by Mrs. Sandra Ani, was a resounding success, bringing together students, parents, scholars, educators, and community members to engage in meaningful discussions and celebrate achievements in value-based education.

The conference, held at the at The Parliament Hall, Post Primary School Management Board, Enugu State, attracted more than 1000 participants from various sectors, including education, business, healthcare, and government online and on-site.

The theme, “Take It Back: Building Today for a Greater Tomorrow” resonated deeply with attendees and speakers alike.

Prof. Peter Ndubueze Mbah (Ph.D.), the Hon. Commissioner of Education, Enugu State, in his keynote address emphasized the importance of integrating core values into every aspect of life, from personal interactions to professional endeavors.

He highlighted the need for a collective effort in nurturing a society grounded in respect, empathy, and honesty.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions.

During the panel session, discussants reiterated the role of the church, school, and home in restoring values to society was a key topic of the panel discussions.

This interactive session provided deep insights into shared responsibilities in moral value restoration.

These narratives provided a powerful reminder of the impact that integrity and compassion can have on society.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a renewed commitment to fostering values in their personal and professional lives.

“This conference has reignited my passion for ethical leadership and community service,” said one participant. “I leave here today inspired and ready to make a difference.”

Mrs. Sandra Ani, the convener of VDL International conference, in her address expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of the conference.

“Together, we have taken a significant step towards building a more compassionate and ethical society. I am confident that the conversations and connections made here will continue to inspire positive change in our communities,” she said.

The event served as a platform for open dialogue and interactive learning, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in nurturing moral values within the community.

Other notable speakers included Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike, the chairman of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State; Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro, CEO of Evergreen Group; and Mr. David Folaranmi, an advocate of drug abuse and addiction recovery.

VDL International Essay Competition

Highpoint of the conference includes an essay contest which focused on senior secondary school students from both government and private schools on the topic: “What are the common reasons why teenagers might be tempted to experiment with drugs, and what strategies can they employ to resist peer pressure and make healthy choices regarding substance use?”

The contest attracted over 500 entries, which were narrowed down to 100 students for the second stage, and finally, 20 students made it to the finals.

During the conference, the top 20 essay writers were invited to receive an award of excellence. The top three essay winners were each given an award plaque, a gold medal, a certificate of excellence, and a cheque of 200,000 NGN for the second runner-up, 300,000 NGN for the first runner-up, and 500,000 NGN for the overall winner.

These students came from Anambra State, Osun State, and FCT Abuja, respectively. The remaining 17 students, representing Benue State, Kwara State, Ireland, Ebonyi State, and Enugu State, were awarded a gold medal and a certificate of excellence each.

Brand Ambassadors

All top 20 essay contest finalists were appointed as brand ambassadors of VDLI. Their faces will appear on billboards in five states of the country. As ambassadors, they are expected to uphold and promote the moral values advocated by VDLI in their various environments.

Awards and Recognitions

All speakers were presented with recognition awards from the organization.

The Commissioner of Education received an award for his profound impact on enhancing education; Chibueze Ofobuike was recognized for empowering youths and transforming communities; Doris Chinedu-Okoro received an award for her outstanding contribution towards advancing education; and Mr. David Folaranmi was acknowledged for his efforts in creating awareness on drug abuse and helping people overcome addiction.

Special Presentations

A notable presentation on the role of the girl child in upholding Nigeria’s values and ethics was made by Akpem Comfort Msuurshima from Jewel Model Schools, Makurdi, Benue State.

Additionally, a cultural display by students of Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Enugu, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.