Recipients of several awards of excellence at the Abia online Publishers Organization (OMPAN) Annual General Meeting on Saturday have poured encomiums on the leadership/members of the organization for her thoughtfulness in given honour to deserving Abians.
OMPAN the umbrella body of bloggers in the state has over the years honored Abians who distinguished themselves in various field of human endeavours during her AGM.
One of the award recipients was the senator representing Abia Central senatorial zone, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji. He was the highest award recipient with two awards at a go.
Ochendo as he foundly called by his political associates clinched a Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his successful political journey and Best lawmaker award for his outstanding legislative activities for nearly eight years in the red Chambers.
“Even as a legislator, Chief Theodore Orji has painstakingly nurtured his structure and has been exceptional in his legislative duties.
“His active and impactful representation in the senate earned him the Lawmaker award while his travails and trajectory in the political space in Abia state in particular and nation in general got him the Lifetime Achievement award”,OMPAN observed.
Senator Theodore Orji congratulated the leadership and members of Abia OMPAN for their commitment in information dissemination through various online Media platforms.
The senator who was represented at the occasion by Sir Frank Ibe, noted that the awards were merited as they were testimony to the work the senator has been doing over the years.
He thanked the body for honouring him and assured not to relent in his effort to serve diligently.
The presence of the Umu- Ochendo forum for Ikuku who Ibe, is their coordinator was equally felt at the event.
The Wife of Abia state governor, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu PhD was among the few indigenes of the state who were recognised and presented with awards by the organization.
Her commitments in improving the living standards of widows and indigent citizens singled her out for the award.
A Citation of her achievements revealed that, “Over the years, she took it upon herself to build houses for the lowly, offset hospital bills of the discharged hospital patients who could not afford their own bills.
“Through her foundation, she has reached out to thousands of Abia citizens with series of medical outreach she carries out from time to time.
“Her consistency in the humanitarian services caught the attention of Abia OMPAN, hence the award”.
Her Excellency, was represented by her Chief press secretary, Mr. Chika Ojiegbe, who stressed the role of the media in the society and the need to be objective in their reportage.
He emphasized the efforts of his principal who he said was an epitome of kindness and love.
He explained that the Governor’s wife appreciated the award given to her and would not lose sight of the huge responsibility now placed on shoulders.
The Abia State deputy governor
Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko-Chukwu, was not left out as he was identified the best in his category.
Before becoming the deputy governor, there was a negative history of deputies in the state who either resigned or were either impeached.
No deputy governor had served his boss for two consecutive terms in Abia state until Oko-Chukwu ascended the seat.
He defied the trajectory and most humbly served his boss for almost two tenures in the most amicable working relationship.
His Chief press secretary, Mr. Obasi who stood in for him, was elated that an organisation such as OMPAN thought it wise to honour him.
He encouraged members to always try and maintain professional ethics in the discharge of their duties.
Also the chairman Abia warriors football club Umuahia Pastor Emeka Iyama, tasked OMPAN members to be abjective in their news reportage for the interest of public peace.
Iyama, spoke was confered with an award of the Sports Administrator, of the year 2022.
The veteran Journalist who expressed joy over the award by online media organization, said it will spur him to contribute more to the journalism profession.
His words, “I want to thank and appreciate the Ompan for this sound award. It’s an award in my area of core competence.
“It’s an honour well deserved and I want to thank them for finding me fit this award. It will spour me to deliver more in this industry were I have more than four decades experience.
“It a good one, I also encourage ompan members to be professional in their news writing and reportage because of number of audience they reach on a daily basis”.
The immediate past chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area. Hon Ifeanyi Madu, was not left out as was honoured with the award of Best LGA chairman.
He commended OMPAN for observing his modesty achievement while in office and accounting him Worthy for the award.
He said, “I’m happy that OMPAN have seen our our achievement in office, despite the high level of insecurity in our Local Government.
“I been receiving awards from within and outside the country, but this one from my State is special to me because they said charity begins at home.
“I advise members of the organization to continue with their job of information dissemination objectively”.