Igboukwu: Anambra community honours Icons of Development, Prestige
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Igboukwu community, Aguata LGA, Anambra State was in a frenzied mood last weekend following the recognition of distinguished sons and daughters of the community with Icons of Development Awards and other life achievements.
The event powered by the Igboukwu Prounion Prestige Award (IPPA) brought together people of Igboukwu town resident at home and in the Diaspora.
Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Emeka Okafor, an engineer, in a remark described the award ceremony as unique in all ramifications noting the importance of appreciating those who have helped in shaping Igboukwu community into what it has become and the level of development it has attained presently.
He said that the unity being enjoyed in the community today was made possible by some selfless individuals from the community noting that the young generations of the community today may not know the trailblazers from the community who inspired philanthropy, scholarship awards, business mentorship and community development. He encouraged the organisers to maintain the tempo in sustaining the awards.
Chairman of IPPA Organising Committee, Engr. Edozie Udoka in a welcome address described IPPA as a community development concept through recognition, honour and celebration of Igboukwu illustrious men, women and youths with exceptional commitment, dedication and zeal for the development of Igboukwu
“Those special breeds who have become beacons and icons of development and inspirations to young generations” he said.
Edozie disclosed that over the years, the awardees have devoted their wealth, knowledge, time and resources to ensure that Igboukwu is on the right track noting that the maiden edition aims to celebrate those great personalities from Ihite quarter of Igboukwu who are committed to Ihite community and Igboukwu at large.
He clarified that IPPA is not solely about individual accomplishment /success/affluence but about positive impact on Igboukwu citizens
“Their effort and contributions have continued to inspire and motivate us to get involved in community services and development. It is our expectation that this recognition catalyzes the awardees for greater works and everyone here for community development. The true value of these awards lie not on the award plaques but on the inspiration the awardees have given or continued giving to us. The awardees have demonstrated that Igboukwu can be better and will get better if we follow their foot steps”
“We also looked beyond the menfolk to consider the women, a large chunk of our population often ignored in development efforts of Ihite community. We have these awards for women-Lifetime Inspirational Woman, Lifetime Women Development Icon and Emerging Woman Leadership Award” he stated.
The Organising Committee Chairman also pointed out that for the community to move forward, there is also a compelling need to address some challenges which included the provision of an administrative complex for Ihite Progressive Union and an ultramodern multipurpose hall, the promotion of its cultural sites and tourist centres as well as sports development facilities.
“Our lands fallow away and we are not involved in food security chain system and business opportunities in agro and agro-allied sector. Our girls still engage in early marriages instead of pursuing higher education or engaging in entrepreneurial activities. Our youths and women are left behind in digital skills and digital technology knowledge acquisition while we have not installed systematic surveillance camera to monitor our borders and manage our security and security operatives” he enumerated.
A cultural ambassador, Mazi Okafouzu Ugochukwu, in a keynote lecture titled Ihite bu Uzo went down memory lane to trace the historical origin of Igboukwu and its clans and village quarters confirming that Ihite community in Igboukwu has not only being the pathfinder in the development of Igboukwu but also produced the reigning traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Alex Azike. He called on the Ihite executive to erect Idu palace on Umudege land in Igboukwu and also prayed that the occasion will bring back a united Ihite and avenue to return the old glory of the community.
On the way forward for Ihite Agenda, Chairman, Ihite Progressive Union said that the Ihite Agenda is a clarion call for every member of the community to begin to innovate and invest and to be the fuel that catalyzes the past leaders of the community.
“Ihite agenda is about engaging ourselves , changing the narrative about Ihite and building structures that would save Ihite from problem that seems perennial but solvable” he stated.
Those honoured during the award presentation included the traditional ruler of Igboukwu community, Igwe Alexander Azike , Chief Barth Nwibe, Architect Christian Ike, Chief Albert Ezenwanne, Chief Anthony Umeh, Chief Okafouzu Ugochukwu, Hon Ikem Uzoezie, Chief Emma Azike all honoured with Lifetime Community Development Icon Award. Late Sir Chikadibia Loius Ezewudo was honoured posthumously.
Other awardees included Dr Ego Uzoezie honoured with a Lifetime Inspirational Woman Award, Chief Charles Uchechukwu Onedibe , Human Capital Development Icon and Emeka Igwilo , President Igboukwu Football Association., Sports Development Icon award. Hon Uchenna Umennolim (Gbagagba) was recognized with an Inspiring Youth Leader award while Professor Albert Okoli clinched the Educational Role Model award even as Dr Ikechukwu Ezemenike received the Inspiring Youth Entrepreneur award. A catholic priest, Rev. Fr Emeka Nwosu bagged the Inspiring Clergyman on Igboukwu affairs award while Omeudo Media Group also clinched the Inspiring Media Group award. Late Barr Regina Okafor received the posthumous award for the Lifetime Women Development Icon.
One of the awardees, Chief Barth Nwibe while speaking on the honour thanked the initiators for the recognition. He stated that the award is a spur and motivation to do more noting that it also confirms that posterity records any man’s footprints in the sands of time.
