Apex Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth body, World Igbo Youth Assembly has honoured the member representing South East Zone on the Board of the North East Development Commission ( NEDC), Chief Sam Onuigbo with the Award of True Patriot.
Presenting the Award in umuahia, Abia State Capital, the BOT Chairman of the body, Dr Nneji Casmir explained that Chief Onuigbo was chosen alongside an Elder statesman and Entrepreneur, Dr Sam Ohuabunwa as beneficiaries from Abia State following their distinguished service to the people.
Dr Nneji who is the Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on students affairs, pointed out that the former member of the House of Representatives was particularly nominated in recognition of his honesty and transparency in leadership which has not only blessed Abia but lifted Nigeria in general.
While lauding him for his community development efforts over the years, the BOT Chairman commended the NEDC Board member for his youth development programmes and enjoined him to let other politicians know the need to embark on policies and programmes that help raise future leaders.
In his remarks, the President World Igbo Youth assembly, Dr James Chibuike Ajuzie, disclosed that the decision to honour outstanding Igbo leaders was taken at their last meeting held in Ebonyi State where two Patriotic leaders were nominated from each of the seven states that make up the body.
Dr Ajuzie who expressed gladness over the life of simplicity exhibited by Chief Onuigbo, noted that the Awardee has attracted many developmental projects to Abia State and encouraged other Igbo leaders to emulate the former national Assembly member for the good of the Igbo.
“We have come here today to give honour to whom honour is due; to evidently associate ourselves and the teeming population of Igbo youths all over the world with a man of the people; the man whose principles are decency of life. An astute administrator, a leader per excellence, well standing in our time and even far beyond, one who believes so much in the genuine productivity of the younger generations for good;a man who has continued all his lifetime to Bank on human capital development by empowering the Youths at different levels,” Dr Ajuzie pointed out.
Responding, the Awardee and former member that represented Ikwuano / Umuahia North / Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Chief Sam Onuigbo thanked the organization for choosing him alongside one of his mentors and Elder statesman, Dr Sam Ohuabunwa for such an unsolicited honour and urged them not to lower standards in making future choices.
Chief Onuigbo who described the award as a validation of the mentorships of Chief Ohuabunwa and a renowned Banker Chief Onyemuwa Chionuma for over 24 years now, assured that he will continue to embark on community development projects and mentoring of the Nigerian Youth.
Chief Onuigbo who was flanked by his wife, Pastor Dame Chinyere Ngozi Onuigbo, charged Youths to keep their hands straight in order to build a brighter future.
He also reminded them of the need to work hard and remain focused in their endeavors, pointing out that time shall come when only character and integrity will decide their fate.
The ceremony attracted the presence of the leadership of the youth body from the member seven states, Chief Onuigbo’s close Associates, members of the Odozi Obodo family, Supporters and friends of the Awardee.
