‘NUJ Philanthropist of the Decade’ Award, My Best Nomination So Far —Igwe Okonkwo

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The Traditional Ruler of Alor kingdom, Idemilli South Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, said he had trained more than 30 billionaires in different parts of the State.

Igwe Okonkwo stated in his palace after receiving a letter of award nomination from the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as the ‘NUJ Philanthropist of the Decade’ — a distinguished honour and highly-competitive award recently instituted by the Union to recognize outstanding philanthropists in the State.

The monarch, who described his nomination for the award as his best awards nominations ever, further expressed his gladness for emerging the winner out of over hundred other nominees for the coveted award.

Igwe Okonkwo, also known as the Ezedioramma 3 of Alor Kingdom, noted that the award would spur him to do more, further noting that his philanthropy and generosity date back to his childhood days, and through which he has trained over thirty billionaires as at today.

“I saw myself giving out what I had at a young age. Even while I was in secondary school, I shared my things with fellow students at school.

“I have trained more that 30 billionaires, 20 in Alor, and 10 across other communities. At Eke Umuogbo (a location in Alor town) we gave out lands, developed them and handed them over to people; we even built the Catholic church there as well. In 2014, 150 keke Napep were shared to our people while about 72 students are beneficiaries of my scholarship scheme,” the monarch recounted.

Continuing, he said, “In Alor, I have built houses for indigent families in my community. Fifteen people are beneficiaries of my SUVs largesse. Its important to mention that I do not discriminate, no mater your denomination or belief.

“I am overwhelmed because I didn't know that people were watching what we have been doing since my ascension to the throne of my ancestors. Infact, this award will be the best award I am going to receive.”

Earlier speaking during the letter presentation which was also witnessed by some youths and indigenes of Alor, and some members of the NUJ; the leader of the delegation and Anambra State Council Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, congratulated the monarch for emerging the champion out of many other nominees. He further announced that the award will be presented at a colourful ceremony slated for November 7, 2024 at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Awka.

According to him, the nomination did not come so easy because of the highly rigorous processes it took to arrive to the final stage where the monarch was declared the champion after defeating over a 100 other contestants who are also ably qualified.

Dr. Odogwu further explained that selecting the nominee was a huge task but that the panel did a meticulous job while he vehemently resisted every attempt to compromise the process.

“It is not about money, rather it's about what people are saying about your philanthropic gestures,” he stated.

He further noted that Igwe Okonkwo of Alor will be making history on November 7, 2024 when the honour will be bestowed on him, being the first person ever to bag such honour or to be so recognised by the NUJ, both in New Anambra and Old Anambra State.

“In line with the tradition of NUJ Anambra State, elaborate arrangements are in top gear, including massive publicity, both in online and traditional media; including bill boards, newspapers, radio, television and digital platforms to deliver a resounding ceremony.

“We are happy all of you are here affirming what we are saying today.

“Under my watch as the NUJ Chairman in the past three years, no one can toil with the Union. We have capacity to deliver a successful event. We will specially celebrate him because he deserves it,” Odogwu said.

Contributing her voice, a member of the Union, Kasie Abone, threw more light on the rigourous process the award nomination was subjected to, to ensure the emergence of the best candidate.

According to her, “Over 100 candidates who were nominated went through screening before the best emerged.

“Winning the ‘Philanthropist of the Decade’ means that you ascended the throne prepared to touch the lives of your subjects, otherwise it will not make sense that you won the award.

“So, from the first day on the throne, he started touching the lives of his people. It is something of honor that you won especially as it coincides with your 10 years anniversary on the throne. It is worthy of celebration,” she said.

“What makes NUJ award nomination process tough is that we want to be sure that we get the most credible person and that person must emerge through popular votes.

“We put you on a scale for us to know whom we are bringing to the world; the scale surely titled in your favour.

“Odogwu, as our Chairman, puts a magic touch into wharever he does. When he signs something, it means that the thing has credibility and authenticity. Congratulations to you once again, sir.”