For distinguishing themselves under Chief Willie Obiano’s administration, member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in House of Representatives, Engr. Chris Emeka Azubogu, Chairman Anambra State Investiment, Promotion Protection Agency (ANSPPA) and also the Group Managing Director Afri Invest West Africa Plc, Prince Ike Chioke, and member, Anambra State House of Assembly, representing Nnewi South 1 Constituency and Chairman, House of Assembly’s Committee on Diaspora Matters, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, Hon Sonny Ozobialu (Milimalugo Foundation) were on Wednesday conferred with the commander award.
The event also heralded the inauguration of the ten thousand capacity seater of the Anambra International Convention Center, Awka for public use by the Governor.
Including, a one hundred and eighty-four paged, fifteen chapters book titled “Akpokuedike, Duty Call in Anambra”, authored by Mr. Ike Chioke was also unveiled at the main auditorium accommodating other features and amenities like banquet halls, offices, and stalls, among others.
Our Correspondent who covered the event noted that the Award has three state categories of medal awards to over two hundred distinguished personalities. The awards, from the highest to lowest included Anambra State Grand Commander Medal, Anambra State Commander Medal, and Anambra State Merit awards to key stakeholders individuals who have contributed immensely to the growth of Anambra.
Speaking at the event, Governor Willie Obiano while performing the ceremony recalled and appreciated the support he enjoyed from Ndi Anambra and beyond. He explained that the medals were authorized by the Anambra State Honours Law (1995), and urged the recipients and the public to proudly utilise the titles as they were respectively backed by the law.
Chairman Anambra State Investment, Promotion Protection Agency (ANSPPA) and also the Group Managing Director Afri Invest West Africa Plc, Prince Ike Chioke, the author, noted the book was written like a story book which was borne out of research from his hometown at Aguleri on how he grew up and established himself in the banking industries.
Adding, member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in House of Representatives, Engr. Chris Emeka Azubogu appreciating the honour done, the lawmaker christened ‘Mr. Project’ on account of his unprecedented legislative project interventions across the state, explained that “I am in politics to contribute my little quota to the socio-economic development of our dear state and society at large. Though this honour from my State Governor came to me as a pleasant surprise, as I never expected one, it is an honour that I’ll cherish for a long time. I, therefore, dedicate the honour to all striving to see our society develop rapidly”.
Member, Anambra State House of Assembly, representing Nnewi South 1 Constituency and Chairman, House of Assembly’s Committee on Diaspora Matters, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, Hon Sonny Ozobialu (Milimalugo Foundation) thanked Governor Willie Obiano for the award while praying for better development of Ndi Anambra.
Professor Osita Ogbu who reviewed the book disclosed that the creative partnership between the State and the private sector helped transform the State beyond expectation in all ramifications. He added that it was a well researched Biography that touched every aspect of the governor from childhood to adulthood, and urged all to obtain and read at least a copy.
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General and Chairman on the Occasion Chief Emeka Anyaoku while extolling the Governor Obiano for his action and history, described him as one of the leaders that Nigeria has ever had.
Distinguished Anambra State Grand Commander award was also given to some people including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Former Governor Peter Obi, Dr. Ebelechukwu Obiano, Senator Victor Umeh, Right Honourable Uche Okafor, Senator Ben Ndi-Obi, former Governors Peter Obi, Chukwuemeka Ezife, Dame Virginia Etiaba.
Others were former Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo; Aviation minister in the first republic, Chief Mbazurike Amaechi; Prof. Elochukwu Amuchiazu; Senator Uche Ekwunife of Anambra Central; Sir Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors; a former Minister of Health, Dr. Tim Menakaya; and former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and some dignitaries. Anambra-born music mastro, Flavour trilled the audience with special tracks amid dances.
