As part of the activities to mark the 2018 Igbo Day Celebration in Owerri, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has honoured some eminent Nigerians.
The Awards were Grand Commander of the Order of Imo (GCOI) and Grand Chancellor of the State of Imo (GCSI).
Those honoured with GCSI include the late former governor of the state, Sam Mbakwe (Posthumous, GCSI), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (GCSI), maverick politician, Arthur Nzeribe (GCSI), Late Ikemba Odemegwu Ojukwu (Posthumous, GCSI), Governor Abdullahi Ganduje (GCSI), Late Alhaji Maitama Sule (GCOI), Dr. Paul Unogo (GCOI), and Chief John Nnia Nwodo (GCOI).
Others are Chief Gary Gary Enwo Igariwey (GCOI), Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) (GCOI), Late Dick Tiger Ihetu (GCOI), Late Chief C.C. Onoh (GCSI), Late Eze Dr. Akanu Ibiam (GCOI), Chief Jim Nwobodo (GCOI), Chief Ndubuisi Kanu (GCOI), and Ayo Adebanjo (GCOI).
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Ikemba Ojukwu Heroes’ Pavilion, Okorocha lamented that Nigerians are not good with history, adding that the state had chosen to honour some Nigerians who have distinguished themselves both in conduct and in service.
“This night is a night specially mapped out to honour our great leaders from this state and other parts of the country and beyond who have distinguished themselves excellently both in conduct and in service and in the overall development of our dear state and nation.
“We have discovered that the problem with our people is that we are not good with history and the fact that we don’t easily remember the worthwhile developmental strides of our heroes’ pasts; we are at a loss in the shortest possible time and tend to forget these great nationals that have brought about our greatness.
“It is therefore as a result of the foregoing that the Imo State government under law number 18 of the Imo State House of Assembly had passed a law to honour our own and those who have in one form or the other impacted on the lives of the people of this State and beyond,” Okorocha said.
While responding on behalf of awardees, Iwuanyanwu said he was elated by the award and confessed his indifference to the Rescue Mission Government despite the overtures of the administration towards him.
Also speaking, the President-General of Ohaneze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, poured encomiums on Governor Okorocha stating that the Award would only prompt him to continue to push further to the frontiers in furtherance of Igbo development.
