By Martins Opara
Bank road in Orlu metropolis, of Imo state was a beehive of activities, last Saturday, 16th December 2017, as three distinguished personalities were honoured with community service awards, in recognition of their enormous contributions to the development of their various communities and selfless services to God and humanity.
Those honoured, include Chief (Barr) Henry Chidi Nwuke, an erudite and renowned Lagos based constitutional lawyer, who has awarded scholarships to several brilliant sons and daughters of the community.
He is also President General of Umuowa Progressive Union (UPU), under whose able leadership, the Umuowa Community and children hospital, reputed to be the largest single health facility in the entire South East, was completed and commissioned. The community, under his watch, also renovated all the schools in their domain, rebuilt and transformed the old “Orie Agbasa and “Afor Ujah” markets into Modern Relief market, Umuowa. As the President General, of Umuowa Ancient Kingdom, he also ensured that the community provided enabling environment for the construction of Orlu building materials market, Umuowa, Nneoma skill acquisition centre and Sam Okwaraji stadium, still under construction.
An astute industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Emeka Diwe, an indigene of Akpulu, in Ideato North LGA, and President General of Association of South East Town Unions (ASETU), was also given the community service award, in recognition of his contribution towards ensuring peace, equity, justice, and fairness in the various autonomous communities of Imo State and the entire South East zone, and also for his philanthropy and selfless service to God and humanity.
Another recipient of the award, Chief Anthony Odunze, founder and Chief Executive Officer of ANCODUNZE foundation, worldwide, and other blue chip companies, was also honoured, in recognition of his philanthropy, assistance to the poor, needy and indigent, and contributions to the overall development of his community and entire Mbaitoli LGA.
The awardees, in their various contributions thanked the board and management of Community Watchdog Newspapers, for finding them worthy of the honour.
Barr. Henry Nwuke, represented by Engr. Bernard Agranwa eulogized Comrade Nwadike, whom, he said imbibed his late father’s phenomenal courage, doggedness, and transparency.
Chief Emeka Diwe expressed happiness for being recognized for whom he is. He said, “I place much premium on integrity, service to humanity, justice, equity and fairness and will continue to do so, no matter the odds”. According to him, “some people call Precious Nwadike, a radical but he is not. If we have three people like him in this state, things will be better and most ills of the society will be addressed. Please, let us appreciate, cherish, and nurture this press centre which our worthy son has brought to us.”
The Publisher of Community Watchdog Newspaper Comrade Precious Nwadike, said the award is aimed at appreciating service to God and humanity and to also encourage others, who have the means and capacity, to join the trail, instead of using their resources to oppress, humiliate and intimidate the poor.
“The profile, antecedents and track record of the awardees, who were chosen after in-depth scrutiny, attests to the high standard of Community Watchdog awards”.
