Anambra honours Zik, Ojukwus, IBB, other distinguished citizens

Governor Willie Obiano has honored Anambra state heroes and heroines as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary celebrations of the creation of the state with an awards ceremony and special recognition.

A first of its kind in the history of Anambra, where the recognition of the contributions of great Ndi Anambra was conducted eschewing any form of bias; was indeed an occasion for the celebration of the exceptional talent and ingenuity of Ndi Anambra in all walks of life D human endeavor.

It attracted notable sons and daughters of the state who have made their mark across various spheres of human activity globally.

It saw the celebration of about three hundred Ndi Anambra who had distinguished themselves in their chosen career, receive awards under various categories including like the Pillars of Our Heritage, Light Bearers, Philanthropists Extraordinaire, Ambassadors of Excellence, Icons of Tradition and Service to Humanity. 

Other categories were Lifetime Achievement series, Outstanding Public Service, Pillars of Inter-denomination Harmony, Icons of Education, and Evergreen Posthumous Award. 

Winners of the Pillars of heritage, Light bearers and Lifetime Achievement Awards will in addition to the medal, lapel, certificate, scroll and key to the state presented to them, have streets in major cities of the state named after them. 

While declaring the ceremony open, Gov Obiano acknowledged that Anambra has through the laudable achievements of her sons and daughters remained an “A” state in the country.

He explained that the ceremony was aimed at sustaining the age long tradition of excellence for which the state and her people were known.

He expressed delight at the honour of serving as the silver Jubilee Governor of the state.

He, though, pointed out that the awards were for all Ndi Anambra who have made remarkable contributions towards the growth of the state irrespective of political and religious inclinations. 

He assured that his administration would intensify efforts at ensuring that the state continues to lead across the various sectors of the economy by initiating programmes and policies that would guarantee its viability despite the present economic challenges.

The pillars of our heritage award included the late billionaire business mogul Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu and his son, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chinua Achebe, Blessed Iwene Tansi, Francis Cardinal Arinze, Olauda Equino. 

The Light Bearers award winners included the former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, former secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Senate presidents Dr Nwafor Orizu, Dr Chuba Okadigbo, Louis Mbanefo (Attorney General of Eastern region) Jude Okolo (Papal Nuncio) and Archbishop of Onitsha Valerian Okeke. 

Former President of Nigeria, Gen Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd) was honoured in the Lifetime category for creating the state in 1991. 

Others who benefitted in this category were Late Dr Akpabi Asika (former governor of Eastern region), Commodore Joseph Abulu (first military administrator of the state, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife(first civilian governor of the state).

Others under this category were the former military and civilian governors of the state, Mike Attah, Rufai Garba and Emmanuel Ukaegbu, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Senator Chris Ngige, Dame Virgy Etiaba and Mr Peter Obi.

The wife of the Biafran leader and Ikemba Nnewi- Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chief Mrs Bianca Ojukwu received an award on behalf of the late Igbo leader.

She said Anambra under the leadership of Gov Obiano was setting the pace in many positive areas, adding that the honor on the late Dim means that his legacies live on. 

According to her, honoring personalities across various political and religious walls signifies that the present administration was in favor of politics without bitterness and the unity of people of the State.  

Another awardee and renowned industrialist, Chief Eric Umeofia acknowledged that with the efforts of the present administration towards encouraging wealthy citizens of the State to bring their wealth home, Anambra was poised to witnessing unprecedented development in the near future. 

He commended the decision of the Gov Obiano administration to touch virtually all aspects of Ndi Anambra in the Award. 

In their remarks, some other award recipients including Hon Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (Ikukuoma), Chief Anthony Enukeme, Mr Innocent Chukwuma and Archbishop Ephraim Ndife, while thanking the governor for the honour done them, said the awards would encourage the younger generation to strive towards contributing meaningfully to the development of the state.

From Chuks Collins, Awka

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