Politics
COPDEM bestows scholarships on students, honours Peter Obi, others with Icon of Democracy awards
The Coalition for Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has honoured the Labour Party (LP) candidate for 2023 presidential election, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, with Icons of Democracy awards.
The event took place at the COPDEM National Convention and Media Dinner and Icons of Democracy awards night, which took place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District, Abuja.
The recipients of the prestigious awards include former Emir of Kano, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and former President, His Excellency, the late Umaru Musa Yar ‘Adua.
Other recipients of the awards include Human Rights lawyer and Activist, Barrister Ifeanyi Nrialike, ace Arise News TV Presenter, Mr. Rufai Oseni, and the current bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.
The rest are Human Rights Activist Aisha Yesufu, Nollywood Actor and celebrity lawyer, Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo, and a group, the Peter Obi Support Network (POSN).
The occasion was declared open by COPDEM chairman, Prince Rwang Pam Jr.
In his welcome address, Prince Pam Jr. paid tribute to champions of democracy, from grassroots activists to visionary leaders.
COPDEM chairman, Prince Rwang Pam Jr. pose for a picture with members
Pam said: “Tonight, we pay tribute to the champions of democracy, whose unwavering dedication has paved the way for positive change in our nation.
“From grassroots activists to visionary leaders, each nominee and award recipient embodies the values of integrity, transparency, and inclusivity that are the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.”
He, however, emphasized that COPDEM is not anti-government, but pro-democracy and pro-people, saying:
“It’s imperative to emphasize that COPDEM is not anti-government, rather, it is pro-democracy and pro-people.”
Pam reaffirmed COPDEM’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, defending human rights, and fostering inclusive governance for all.
The crowd went into frenzy when the Master of Ceremony, Dr. Law Mefor, called on Peter Obi to be honoured as Nigeria’s political Icon of Democracy.
Obi, who was unavoidably absent, as he was attending to some urgent matter, having been summoned by former Nigerian President, His Excellency, Olusegun Obasanjo to Ijebu ode, Ogun State.
The National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Chief Peter Ameh, was at the National Convention to receive the Award on his behalf.
National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Chief Peter Ameh, receiving COPDEM’s award on behalf of Peter Obi
Speaking while receiving the award, the CUPP secretary says it represents the belief of Nigerians who saw sincerity and integrity in Peter Obi during the 2023 elections.
He noted that unnecessary waste by Government has resulted in the high cost of living and insecurity in the nation.
Also present in person to receive the award was Barrister Nrialike.
Nrialike thanked the organisers, COPDEM, for the award and promised to more in the interest of democracy.
The highlight of the occasion, however, was the bestowment of scholarships to three students, namely Princess Nneka Benedict, Michael Oluwaleke Irinoye and Ekanem Previous Emmanuel.
Princess Benedict went home with the star price of one million Naira scholarship award.
Meanwhile, Irinoye and Emmanuel were compensated with five hundred thousand and two hundred thousand Naira scholarship awards respectively.
Watch a short video clip of the presentation below:
Meanwhile, Amb. Justin Kingland thrilled the audience with some dance steps and refreshing music.
The occasion was also marked by abundant refreshments, enough to cater for the hundreds of guests that graced the event.
The vote of thanks was read on behalf of the organisers by COPDEM representative in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Mrs. Ursula Ibeawuchi, who also doubled as the host of the event.
COPDEM chairman, Prince Rwang Pam Jr. with Ursula Ibeawuchi (middle) and another member
Mrs. Ibeawuchi wished all attendees, including COPDEM delegates from the thirty-six states of the federation and FCT journey mercies to the various destinations.
The occasion, which was COPDEM’s maiden event, concluded with prayers and exchange of pleasantries.
COPDEM’s event was held in collaboration with Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).
See more pictures from the event below while the rest photos can be viewed at COPDEM gGallery:
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