Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Former governorship candidate in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo; CEO of Olite Manufacturing Companies, Mr. John Nwabueze; and Chief Chinedu Umeadi; were among over 20 personalities honoured with humanitarian service awards in Awka, Anambra State.
The awards came in an event where 19 first-class students of the Continuous Education Programme (CEP), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) were also honoured for their diligence and outstanding academic performances.
The recipients bagged the awards during the UNIZIK CEP Alumni Homecoming and Award Presentation, an event that took place in ASUU Secretariat of the institution on Thursday.
Speaking after receiving his award, Ozigbo, who is also a Special Adviser to Mr. Peter Obi and a globally respected CEO said good governance and Continuous Improvement are the two principles that are critical to changing the situation of the country.
According to Ozigbo, “Good governance, as a principle, is at the peak of everything Nigeria needs to do. Another is the principle of continuous improvement. Our society cannot progress without adhering to these principles.”
Ozigbo also explained that a well-educated and trained workforce is key to economic productivity and the reduction of social inequality.
Corroborating, another awardee and traditional ruler of Umueri kingdom, HRM Benneth Emeka, said the place of education in the growth and development of society can never be over-emphasised. According to him, the CEP programme has bridged the gap and provided an opportunity for people who have no sponsor at the early stage of life to gain a university education.
The monarch who said he was one of the beneficiaries of the programme, encouraged business owners, artisans, and the like at various locations to leverage the opportunity and acquire sound learning for their personal growth and advancement.
In the same vein, Chairman of the occasion and CEO of Olite Manufacturing Companies, John Nwabueze, said the programme has closed the gap of minorities, adding that everybody now has an equal opportunity of getting certified in their chosen field.
Earlier while declaring the event open, University Vice-Chancellor Professor Charles Esimone, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin), Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, said CEP has taken a strategic position in the institution in providing learning opportunities.
The VC urged the public to key into the programme provided by the university to obtain certificates through the CEP towards advancing their knowledge and obtaining certificate in the process.
Meanwhile, the Director, CEP, UNIZIK, Professor Ngozi Agu, in her remarks, explained that the reunion was to celebrate CEP graduates who distinguished themselves in academic engagements during their studentship in the programme.
Other award recipients are Igwe Akwaeze, Igwe Christopher Okpala
Igwe Umueri; Igwe Umueri, HRM Benneth Emeka; Professor Patrick Ekwunife; Professor Charles Esimone; Dr. Chinedu Umeadi; Chief Jude Akpua, member representing Njikoka II constituency in the Anambra State House assembly.
Others are High Chief Jombosco Onunkwo; Chief John Chiadizu; Chief Dr Egbuna Okechi; Chief Polycap Onwuka; Mr Nwogu Desmond; Onyebuchi Anizobanwota; among others.
