By Christy Anyanwu
To show that hard work pays in all ramifications and to encourage youths and the generality of people from Mbaise, Imo State, to strive for success in their professional endeavours, Mbaise People’s Congress (MPC), last December, held its distinguished achievement award for deserving Mbaise sons and daughters, in Lagos.
The event, which also served as the annual professionals’ get-together for 2022, with the theme “University of Mbaise, O rula n’omume,” included a rousing reception for the deputy national president of the association, Dr. Ken Okpara, executive director of Fidelity Bank and president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Ochiagha Carl Azudibia, national president, MPC, informed the gathering that the annual event had a twist this year because of the “bumper package” as a reception for the deputy national president of MPC, Okpara.
According to him, MPC wanted to host Okpara before now but could not do so because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it posed to all strata of society.
He said: “We are also giving awards to deserving Mbaise sons and daughters who have excelled in different professions. One good thing about the 15 awardees is that four of them are women. One is a serving AIG of police, Ngozi Vivian Onadeko. The second is the first Mbaise woman to get to the position of senior advocate of Nigeria, Mrs. Boma Alabi, Dr. (Mrs.) Ahamneze, a retired controller of prisons and consultant dermatologist, and Dr. (Mrs.) Chioma Nwachukwu.
“We also have top-notch men given awards in the persons of Prof. Bongo Adi, professor of economics and data analytics; Dr. Benedict Ugochukwu Ujoatuonu, CEO, Universal Insurance; Mr. Uche Ike, seasoned banker; Dr. Onuoha Chucks Paul, provost, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos; and Dr. Patrick Chukwuemeka Korie, writer and public affairs analyst, just to mention a few.”
Another prominent member of MPC, Anogwi Anyanwu, said: “We are giving them awards to celebrate them and use them as role models for our younger generation, for them to see that hard work pays.”
Chairman on the occasion, Mr. Frank Ihekwoaba, gave accolades to the 15 award recipients and noted that the theme of his speech was from his insight and experience in the success of individuals in whatever they applied themselves to.
He said, “A man or woman, from the day they are born until the day they exit the physical world, have four stakeholders or elements: the self, the family, the community and his or her God. They are the four legs upon which a human being counterbalances all that confronts him.”
He went further to note that MPC recognized Okpara for his lofty ideals, “Knowing Ken is to witness a clear understanding of the simple self, a love of family and its vast extensions, a love and close alignment with community, not the use of community to achieve selfish purposes, and a pure and dedicated love of God. In extension, MPC challenges all of us here gathered to question ourselves, to find clarity in our words, actions, personal and professional lives.”
One of the awardees, Dr. Ahamneze, in expressing gratitude over the honour, said: “It’s such an awesome thing to be recognized by your people. We are all family members and when recognition starts from within it makes you feel good. I am quite elated and I give God all the glory. It is a recognition that says it all. It means whatever I am doing is appreciated by my people.”
Also, Mr. Bethrand Ndudim said: “When your people see the hard work in you and recognize you, it is a thing of joy. I am elated about this recognition.
“The organization was founded in 1994 by young professionals of Mbaise origin based in Lagos to fight for the cause of our motherland, Mbaise, for the upliftment of her fundamental structures and development: economic, social, political, cultural and psychological.”