Fides Media Living the Faith
..Launches N18M NUASS Bus
· Honours Fides’ Abuchi Onwumelu with Media Excellence Award
By Chioma Ndife
The National Union of Anambra State Students (NUASS) Nationwide, led by Comrade Echegwo Chibunna Godwin, on Saturday, 11th of August, 2018, at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, celebrated its first ever cultural fiesta. The event had over ten thousand Anambra students studying across the federation in attendance.
The students who were in Awka to celebrate the rich Igbo cultural heritage and used the opportunity to interact with prominent citizens, also honoured some individuals for their contributions to society, including Fides Reporter and chief press secretary to the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Abuchi Onwumelu. He was presented with a Media Award of Excellence by the NUASS national leadership.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award from NUASS Nationwide, a visibly elated Comrade Abuchi Onwumelu, who dedicated the award to all the struggling young men and women, expressed gratitude to God for His grace. He thanked NUASS’ leadership for the recognition, assuring that he would never let them down.
In his address of welcome, the National President of the Union, Comr. Echegwo Godwin, thanked Governor Willie Obiano for his fatherly love and care, even as he reminded the governor that the students of Anambra State do not receive bursary from the state government, noting that it had hindered many indigent students from going further in their educational pursuit.
He pleaded with the governor, whom he described as an education friendly leader, to look into their plight.
Comrade Echegwo noted that the academic and technological successes recorded so far by several Anambra students around the globe, especially the five female students of Regina Pacies Secondary School, Onitsha, who won the gold medal recently in an International competition in America, were as a result of Governor Obiano’s investment in education.
The NUASS national president called on well to do individuals in the state to invest more in education by awarding scholarships to indigent students.
Speaking on the launch of NUASS’ N18M bus, Comrade Echegwo said the vehicle would help the executive members of NUASS in mobilization and also visitation to Anambra Students
across the federation.
Prof Dr Godwin Maduka, a native of Umuchukwu in Orumba South Local Government Area, pledged a bus to the union.
The NUASS leadership also conferred honorary awards on deserving sons of Anambra State. Those honoured included: Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State who was recognized as the ”Best Student Friendly Governor of Our Time” and honoured with the Grand Service Star of the National Union of Anambra State Students Nationwide (GSSNUASS).
Dr. Godwin Maduka was installed as the NUASS Nationwide Grand Patron; HRM Igwe Pharm. Alex Onyido, among others, were conferred with the NUASS Ambassador of Goodwill.
In his vote of thanks, the Local Organizing Committee Chairman, Comrade Ezeilo Franklin, thanked everyone who came from far and near to witness the event.
He urged the students to remain resolute and committed in their academic pursuit, noting that if Dr. Maduka could do it, then they too could do better and become champions in their various disciplines.
Those in attendance were the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr Willie Obiano, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development and Digital Entrepreneurship, Hon. Ifeanyi Aniagoh; Prof Dr Godwin Maduka; Chief Sir Senator Victor Umeh (OFR), represented by his D.G. Support Group, Prince Uche Oduche; the traditional ruler of Ogidi Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido; the former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Sir Maja Emeka Umeh; Prophet Dr Ramas Okoye Asuzu, (Aka jiOfo Igbo na Nri kingdom); His Majesty Igwe P.N. Anukwu (Ezeukwu Mbaukwu), among others.