Flurry of Awards, As Gov. Obiano Commissions Int'l Conference Centre

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

It was a day of commendation, celebration and recognitions in Anambra State on Wednesday, as the Executive Governor of the state, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Mmaduabuchukwu Obiano officially commissioned the state's International Conference Centre, ICC, built by his administration in Awka, Anambra State capital.

The 10,000-capacity Conference Centre, which apparently may be the last mega project the governor executed and commissioned in the state before the expiration of his eight-year tenure on March 17th, hosted many personalities from within and outside the state, who came to witness its commissioning

Also featured in the event were award presentation, unveiling of a biography on the governor and the official inauguration of the 13,000 seater International Convention Centre, Awka.

It was gathered that the reason for the event was the insistence of the governor-elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to hold a low-key swearing in ceremony, as he would spend eight hours working at Okpoko Slum, near Onitsha on March 17, after his swearing in.

Also during the event, a book written by investment banker, Ike Chioke with the title – Akpokuedike, Duty Call in Anambra, was also unveiled.

Speaking at the event, the author, Chioke said he set out to write the book to immortalize Chief Willie Obiano and his performance in the eight years that he served as governor.”

He said: “I met him in 2004 during the banking sector consolidation, when the governor-elect was the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, and Chief Obiano was the Executive Director of Fidelity Bank, and as an investment banker, I was to work with the bank in the acquisition of another bank.

“Since then, we had been close, and later I was to work with him when he became governor, and later he appointed me as the Managing Director of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) where I serve today.

“This book is my attempt to document the achievements of the governor for posterity. He is a man who has a strong conviction about what he wanted to achieve in Anambra, and he came to power fully prepared for the task, and is today leaving the state with a lot of legacy projects.”

In their separate remarks, a former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe are among dignitaries who eulogized the governor for his achievements in the last eight years.

Governor Obiano, also at the event, presented awards to some deserving sons and daughters of the state.

Presenting the awards, he said: “By the powers conferred on me as the Governor of Anambra State, in the Anambra State Honours Laws of 1995, I want to award some deserving personalities in the state.

“This is an authentic award, and we will be awarding recipients in categories, including Commanders, grand commanders and merit award. You must feel free to affix it to your name anywhere in the world as it is very recognized.”

Some of the awardees included some former governors and deputy governors of the state, Mr Peter Obi, Dr Chris Ngige, Mr Emeka Sibeudu and Virgy Etiaba, Chief Emeka Offor. Others include Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, first republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi.

There were also posthumous awards at the event, the recipients of which include former Nigerian President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe; ex-Biafran War Lord, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu; former Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo; former NAFDAC Boss, Prof. Dora Akunyili, among many others.