By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) says it has concluded plans to bestow meritorious services awards on five prominent citizens who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour, rendering selfless services to humanity.

“Those to be honoured included Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Justice Ngozi Umeh (rtd); Chief George Muoghalu, Bishop E.C. Obiora and Nze Emeka Umeagbalasi,” the Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, said.

Ezekwueme told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Monday that the awards would be bestowed on Sunday, Dec. 10, being the day, the United Nations had set aside for the commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

NAN recalls that the United Nations set aside Dec. 10 every year in commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), instituted on Dec. 10, 1948, by the United Nations General Assembly.

The CLO boss said that the recipients were nominated based on their meritorious services, impeccable characters and integrity, patriotism, uprightness and selflessness.

According to him, the event will be under the distinguished chairmanship of Bishop Moses Ezedebego, Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Anambra State Branch.

He noted that the award-winning and outstanding DPO, Central Police Division in Onitsha, CSP Rabiu Garuba, would deliver the UDHR @75^th lecture with the theme: “The Roles of Civil Society Organizations in Nation Building”.

He said: “The United Nations in its unique wisdom instituted UDHR in 1948 for the promotion and protection of Human Rights and celebrating efforts and achievements of UDHR globally, socioeconomic justice, good governance and egalitarian society irrespective of tribe, religion, statue or clan cleavages.

“The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, and former Gov. Peter Obi are the Chief Guests of honour.

“Among other prominent Nigerians expected included: Sen. Victor Umeh, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Publisher of Realnews Magazine, Chief Maureen Chigbo, Sen. Tony Nwoye, Bishop Owen Nwokolo, Chief Val Ozigbo and other human rights activist and National President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr Joe Odumakin, among others.”

Ezekwueme noted that the hallmark of the event would be bestowing “Distinguished Beacon of Democracy” on Peter Obi”, and “Human Rights Personality of the Year” on Hon. Justice Ngozi Umeh (rtd).

“Human Rights Ambassadors Awards” will go to Chief George Muoghalu and Bishop E.C.Obiora, whereas “Human Rights Defender” will be bestowed on human rights activist, criminologist and social crusader, Nze Emeka Umeagbalasi.

“2023 UDHR Campaign is celebrating the anniversary by calling on all of us to stand for human rights and commit to making the principles of the UDHR a reality in our daily life and activities,” he added. (NAN)

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