By Ngozi Nwoke
For Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, it was a special day, a day never to forget. It was the day he celebrated his award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
The former governor of Enugu State, Chief Okwesileze Nwodo, Chief Mike Umeh, Mrs. Ngozi Anyaegbu, Hon. Uchenna Eleodimmuo and Dr. Obinna Uzoh were among the eminent dignitaries that made the event an unforgettable experience with their presence. Many others have been congratulating and applauding him for his remarkable impact on grassroots development.
Speaking at the well-attended ceremony, wife of the awardee, Mrs. Ngozi Anyaegbu, said the award was confirmation of her husband’s sterling qualities, which have endeared him to all and sundry.
She said: “My husband has sown the seed of kindness, positive impacts, and growth in the family, community and society. He is a man loved and attracted by many because of his practical teachings. He will teach you how to plant a seed, teach you that patience and consistency is key to achieving a fruitful harvest. I thank all those who made this historic event a success.”
Nwodo also commended the Federal Government for the recognition, he noting: “Okeiyi is a man of great reputation and good character worth emulating. Remember that charity begins at home. That is why he has relentlessly attracted rural development in his community and extended it to the society. He is a shining light in his community and the world. I congratulate him on this special occasion and wish him nothing but the best in life.”
Umeh said: “Anyaegbu is my brother and friend. I thank God for giving me the privilege to know him. He is a valuable asset to the nation. His contributions in the private sector towards job creation is massive. This man does nothing without touching lives positively. Human capital development is his lifestyle. My prayer for him is for more of this recognition to come his way. It is all to the glory of God.”
Eleodimmuo said the national honour was only the beginning of the greater ahead. “The conferment is well-deserved and marks the beginning of his great achievements. He is a great man. He is a good man. I congratulate him and wish him more honourable recognitions.”
Dr. Obinna Uzoh said Anyaegbu has been at the forefront of promoting peace as well as attracting development and investments in Amichi community and Anambra State at large. He said: “A peaceful man deserves peace. A loving man deserves love. A hardworking man deserves honour. This is who he is. He deserves this meritorious honour and I thank the Federal Government for this worthy conferment.”
Anyaegbu thanked the Federal Government and pledged to make more contributions towards nation building. He said: “The national honour will foster peace and unity among Nigerians and foreigners who were also conferred. It will encourage outstanding performance and hard work in public service. I was pleased to see Nigerians who have made great efforts to development being rewarded for their diligence. I am grateful to the Federal Government and to those that recommended me. That shows that my contributions are being noted. It takes someone who has my interest at heart to recognise my contributions. The people who recommended me saw the good side of me and thought it wise to nominate me for this honour.
“It is my service to the nation and humanity that has earned me this honor. I see it as a challenge to do more and not relent. I dedicate this honour to my wife, children, grandchildren, good friends and committed staff, who have made it possible for me to render these services to humanity. I could never have done it alone without their support and encouragement. I pray that God almighty will reward them all. Amen.”