The government of Anambra State yesterday in a flamboyant event honoured personalities that had helped in one way or another to shape the success history of the state over the years.

Presenting the awards to recipients, the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, said the awards were in 11 categories, namely: Pillars of Our Heritage, Light Bearers, Lifetime Achievement, Philanthropists Extraordinaire and Business Titans, Ambassadors of Excellence, Outstanding Public Service.

Other categories were Icons of Education, Icons of Tradition and Service to Humanity and Evergreen (Posthumous Award).

The giants that stood out in the pillars of our heritage awards include late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, late Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu and his son, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Blessed Iwene Tansi, Chinua Achebe, Francis Cardinal Arinze, Olauda Equino.

Recipents in the Light Bearers category were a former Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former Senate Presidents of Nigeria, Dr. Nwafor Orizu, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo former Secretary of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Archbishop of Onitsha Valerian Okeke. Louis Mbanefo (Attorney General of Eastern region) and Jude Okolo (Papal Nuncio).

Life time award was bestowed on the Former President of Nigeria, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida for creating the state in 1991. Others who benefitted in this category were Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife (First civilian Governor of the state). Commodore Joseph Abulu (First Military Administrator of the state).

Late Dr. Ukpabi Asika (Former Governor of Eastern Region), former Military and civilian Governors of the state, Mike Attah, Garba Rufai, Emmanuel Ukaegbu, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Senator Chris Ngige, Dame Virgy Etiaba and Mr. Peter Obi.

Other dignitaries honoured at the event were Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Agunwa Anaekwe, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chief Innocent Chukwuma (Innoson Motors).

Earlier in his address, the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano said the award ceremony was part of the celebrations lined up to mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of the state with activities going on since August, this year.

In excitement, he said: “I’m very lucky to be the Jubilee Governor.

“Anambra people are the best in the country. I see a reason for hope.”

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