From Obinna Odogwu, Ekwulobia
Awka, the capital city of Anambra State came alive recently during a send-off ceremony organised by the heads of Federal establishments and parastatals for their members who have been promoted and sent to other geo-political zones to continue their services or retired from active service in the state.
It was also time to honour some of their deserving members who had carved a niche for themselves while in active service in the state.
The group also used the opportunity to launch a building project: Federal Staff Recreational Centre; as well as honour some select individuals outside their fold who they said “have so far contributed largely to the growth of the society; and indeed, left indelible marks in the sands of time in their various fields of endeavours.”
The group is made up of all the Nigerian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force; as well as the police, other paramilitary agencies, all federal government ministries, departments and agencies.
At the event which took place at ParkTonian Hotels, Awka, the group honoured the winner of The Sun Businessman of the Year 2015, Dr Anthony Obiora Chukwuka, the executive chairman of Greenlife Pharmaceuticals; Assistant Comptroller-General of Prisons, Kasali Oladipo Yusuf who was before his promotion in charge of the Anambra State Command, and the Assistant-Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ben Dikuro, who was before his promotion in charge of the Anambra State command.
They also eulogised others for their outstanding service in the state.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the group, Dr Dave Ugonna noted that the event was put together to “encourage and thank most dearly our members who were either posted to other states or retired from active service for their invaluable contributions and effective service in Anambra State.”
He pointed out that those who would be receiving awards on the occasion were selected purely on merits.
“For the awards, we consider individuals who have made meaningful impact on the lives of others. People who have given milk of human kindness to others targeted at assuaging the many problems of the society. This honour represents integrity, uprightness, virtue, and their likes.
“Our awardees have in one way or the other given lifeline to so many people; some had financially empowered so many people to start businesses in order to help reduce robbery, prostitution, kidnapping, etc. This has gone a long way to help the governments at all levels to solve some of the problems pricking humanity. By virtue of that, they have partnered with the government agencies like the police, army, others in the fight against crime through job provisions and empowerment programmes,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chairman on the occasion, Dr J.O.J. Ulasi disclosed that the event was also to brainstorm on the various challenges affecting productivity in the Nigeria’s civil service and proffer solutions to them.
Dr Ulasi, who doubles as the director, National Population Commission also eulogised their honourees for standing tall despite the hazardous and challenging nature of their jobs.
Responding, Dr Obiora Anthony Chukwuka who was honoured as the Eminent Person of the Year thanked the organisers for finding him worthy of the honour. He stressed that his kind gestures to people were actually ignited by his inner desire and hunger to contribute to the growth and welfare of society; as well as to quench societal thirst and hunger for good living as much as possible, even as he disclosed that “this honour would boost my morale to do more.”
Also speaking, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Prisons, Kasali Oladipo Yusuf, who was visibly elated, disclosed that his years of service in Anambra State were full of blessings.
“It is a testimony that whatever one does in a particular place, there are people who really recognize such. Good enough, the Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano has succeeded in putting all the heads of federal government agencies together to ensure that the security of the state is maintained and that there is synergy amongst us to advance the course of the state.
“This also culminated to what you witnessed this evening when those of us who have been transferred to other states were called back to be recognized. This is not the first time we are being honoured. I am particularly grateful to God for this day,” he said.