Fides Media Living the Faith
By Chioma Ndife
It was indeed an award galore at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Awka, as the parish appreciated deserving individuals who had been supporting the parish and humanitarian course for sustainable growth in society.
The awards which were presented to individuals came in different categories, namely philanthropic gesture award, legislative award, role model award, excellence award for youth management, ambassador of education, award of excellence and champion of education award, among others.
The event planned under the chairmanship of Dr. Clem Nwogbo and coordinated by Lady Ngozi Meg Okoye for the committee in line with the approval of the parish, bestowed an award for excellence on Hon. Chukwudi Offodile who re-roofed the entire church building. Also presented with the excellence award were Igwe Marius Okoronji of Ndundu Autonomous Community, Uturu, Okigwe and Arch. Tony Nkwonta.
The former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, was awarded the champion of education, while Chief Dr. Augusta Ngozi Agbasionwe and Chief Cyril Okoye were given awards for their philanthropic gesture. The governorship candidate of PDP for the November 6t Anambra State election, Hon. Valentine Ozigbo, and Hon. Emeka Orogu, were conferred with youth ambassador award.
Under the category of excellence award for youth management, Rev. Frs. Theodore Ekwem, Kenneth Amakaeze, Obiora Okeke, Julian Aneto and Francis Michael Enyosiobi, were decorated for their contributions in youth formation, while Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu, Chief Barth Nwibe, Dr. Clem Nwogbo, Senator Victor Umeh, Rev. Fr. Prof. B A C Obiefuna, Fr. Prof. Anthony Chiegboka, Dr. Mrs. Tessy Okoli and Rt. Hon. Anayo Nnebe, emerged as ambassadors of education.
Speaking to Fides, the Councillor Representing Awka Ward I, Hon. Chuks Kingsley Ikebudu, who received a distinguished award, said the honour was bestowed on him sequel to his support and programmes that had been organized for youths, not just in the parish, but in the entire Awka ward I. He expressed optimism that the majority of Awka youths would be shining lights sequel to the programmes and activities mapped out by his office.
Contributing, the Special Assistant to Anambra State Governor on Transportation, Hon. Mrs. Felly Okikia, who received the philanthropic gesture award on behalf of Chief. Dr. Mrs. Augusta Ngozi Agbasionwe, appreciated the parish for the award and explained that such programmes would encourage people to take up more projects in the parish because their previous contributions were recognized.
Adding his voice, Hon. Emeka Orogbu, expressed conviction that the award was bestowed on him sequel to his activities in the area of youth empowerment and good setting example for the youths.
Orogbu, a real estate developer, appreciated the organizers of the event for deeming him fit for award and said he would continue in the area of youth re-branding which he was committed to.
For his part, an elder in the Parish, Sir Matthew Offodile, commended the organizers of the event for coming up with the idea that would generate funds for the parish projects and expressed optimism that the success of the event would be evident in parish projects.