Groups in partnership, Tour Nigeria Communications, Stand up for women society,100achievers and IgbereTv over the weekend celebrated and honoured some individuals who had distinguished themselves and made positive contributions to the state and Nigeria.
These distinguished men and women were honoured at the second edition of the annual Anambra man of the year award 2021 held in Awka state capital.
News Echo reports that the eminent personalities were drawn from key sectors of the economy of the state and the country at large, especially, in the areas of industry, politics, education, tourism, banking sector, entertainment industry, information communication technology (ICT), religion and they were honoured with various awards for their excellence and outstanding contributions in skills development, capacity building amongst youths, communities in the state and the society at large.
In welcome address , cordinator of Tour Nigeria Communications, Chief Chikezie Chiedu said the Anambra Man of the year award was conceptualized in order to celebrate the outstanding feats by individuals, brands and corporate organizations and as a medium to inspire the society, encourage hard work, industry and excellence.
According to him, “These are important because it affords our youngsters a platform to spot the kind of role model they need to emulate if they want to reach for the stars in different areas of human endeavour.”
He noted that the state is blessed with abundant natural resources of gas, crude oil, bauxite and ceramics, one hundred percent arable soil; a GDP of $10 billion and a per capita income of about 2, 000 dollars and which prides itself as the commercial hub of the country.
Beyond natural resources, trade and commerce, Anambra parades the most celebrated and vast human resources and as a home to great men and women”.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Major General Anthony Emeka Ajemba (Rtd) said he was moved by the calibres of people honoured noting that the award would make most Anambra people to think home and invest in the state.
The Managing Director of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, Dr George Moughalu who delivered the keynote address at occasion said the event had afforded all the stakeholders an opportunity to articulate the best vision of the state’s future and consider what needs to do to achieve that desired goals.
According to him, “Now, to the question of where we ought to be; you see, Anambra state is a promise unfulfilled. We are a people of boundless capacity, with a history of excellence in every area of human endeavour.
Our biggest challenge has always been the opportunity challenge: the absence of the social infrastructure necessary for individuals to achieve their highest ambitions.”
The best vision of Anambra state’s future for me is that of a state where our children can dream big dreams and have the opportunity to achieve those dreams here at home and to the benefit of us all. And I believe that we can make this possible through the practice of principled politics.
The kind of politics that emphasizes caring for the sick, the afflicted; housing the homeless and building ladders of opportunity that allows every citizen, regardless of the circumstance of birth, to achieve by the strength of their own endeavours the best aspirations of the human spirit.”he said
Mr Ozigbo speaking shortly after receiving his Award, thanked the organisers of the event for their commitment towards excellence and the promotion as well as celebrating Anambra people.
Summarizing the tragedy of the wide gap between Anambra’s potentials and its achievements he said, he is sadden by the state of things in Anambra state while giving reasons for his aspirations in the last 2021 Anambra Guber election.
“I sought public office because I was dissatisfied with the contrast between our limitless possibilities and our present state, the tragic paradox of the Anambra of our dreams and the present-day Anambra.
“As long as the tragedies of poor leadership remain, I will not give up on Anambra or my people. I will continue to do what is necessary to raise our people’s political consciousness, raise our people to a new mind, do what is necessary to correct the errors of the past, and open the doors to a brand new future of enormous possibilities” Ozigbo stated.
Also speaking, Chicason group Chief Executive Officer, Chief (Dr) Alexander Chika Okafor said, it takes hard work and strategic planning to achieve success in life .
Chief Okafor in his plea, urged the youths to shun fast ways of acquiring wealth but seek for innovations and vocational skill acquisitions for their self reliance.
Among other dignitaries recognised was deputy managing director of zenith bank plc Dr. Mrs Adaora Umeoji-Nwokoye, who emerged the Anambra woman of the 2021, Mr. Nonso Okpala of VFD Group Plc who was named Rising Star/Inspiring Leader of the Year, Chief Alexander Ejesieme (SAN) as the Legal Practitioner of the Year Award.
Other notable awardees include CEO of Anambra fire service Engr. Martin Agbili as the civil servant of the year, Rev Fr Dr Edwin Obiorah, SAN,
News Echo reports that the Anambra man of the year award is being organised by a coalition of multiple organisations, the Akulueuno Foundation, Eminent Media, Stand up for Women Society, Tour Nigeria communications, Alex Reports and 100 Achievers Team.
