Oparaoji, Ihedioha, Ogunedo, Ikwu, others honored by Mbaise Media Professionals
United States of America-based Pharmaceuticals Executive and Human Rights Activist, Professor Eddie Oparaoji, former Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Mbaise, Rt. Revd. Chamberlain Ogunedo JP and Arc. Chukwunyere Ikwu, Global Admin., Ikoro Mbaise Global Forum were among several personalities honored by the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals (FMMP), a non-governmental organization recently.
The recipients were honored “for their outstanding contributions to the development of Mbaise nation” at a Public Lecture and Award program held at the Paragon Hotel Eke Nguru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
Prof. Oparaoji, who is also Chairman, Mbaise Policy Roundtable (MPR) received the “Philanthropist Par Excellence” award.
The very well organized program, and the caliber of award recipients have since the event been receiving positive reviews for FMMP, and elicited an avalanche of support, mostly from MPR members, for the non-governmental organization, evidenced by the high volume of congratulatory messages for Professor Oparaoji, published in the award program’s brochure.
In their congratulatory messages, some of the leaders of MPR spoke the minds of other members of the organization in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, paying glowing tributes to Prof. Oparaoji.
For instance, Dr Law Osondu, MPR Chief of Public and Government Relations, and emeritus President of Mbaise-USA wrote, “I am excited to congratulate Professor Edward Oparaoji, a distinguished son of Mbaise and an accomplished administrator and pharmacist by profession on this auspicious occasion of his receipt of an award of “Philanthropist per Excellence” from the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals.
“I am excited because this award could not have come at a better time when one recalls Professor Oparaoji’s relentless sacrifices to the upliftment of the Mbaise nation and the deepening of democratic norms and values in Imo State and Nigeria.
“Professor Oparaoji has spent time and resources helping the less privileged by developing institutions that can feed the poor and provide scholarships for our sons and daughters to pursue university education. I am also commending this great organization for painstakingly fishing out a great mind and great patriot like Professor Oparaoji.
“To recognize him is to give honor to whom honor is due. His contributions to the affairs of Mbaise nation is unrivaled. He deserves to be celebrated. His role in the support and ascendancy of our brother, the former governor, is note worthy. Where ever there is humanitarian endeavor, that is where you find him. He is part and parcel of many humanitarian efforts, like Onwuliri Memorial Scholarship funds, Mbaise Leadership Forum and Mbaise Policy Roundtable.
“He was at some point concerned about the image of Mbaise outside our Land and the subdued economic activities in the area. He was at the forefront in supporting activities and events that have given Mbaise a breathing space. If there is a man called Mr. Mbaise, that man should be Prof Eddie Oparaoji”
The MPR Executive Secretary and Legal Adviser, Atty. Paschal Ukpabi, Esq., wrote, “I Paschal Ukpabi, Esq., congratulate Professor Edward Oparaoji, on this distinguished award from the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals. For some of us who are close to Professor Oparaoji, this award has not come to us as a surprise. Here is a man who has dedicated his life to the struggle for justice in our land, when there is so much work to be done and very few honest workers for the task. Congrats, Prof.”
Another MPR leader, Dr. Jude Iheoma, Chief Program Director wrote, “My wife and I congratulate Professor Edward Oparaoji, for a well deserved award of Philanthropist Par Excellence” and applaud the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals (FMMP), for this award and for your great work promoting Mbaise Values.”
Other appreciative MPR members who expressed their endorsement of FMMP’s mission and the recognition of Professor Oparaoji, are; Chief Ejike Enwereuzor, Chief Joachim Nwogu, Chief Austin C. Onwubiko, Mr. Longinus Nnodim, Theo Okonkwo/Mbaise Arena, Professor Jeff Ohanaja, Dr & Mrs Jerome Njoku, Engr. Aguiyi Nwachukwu, Mr Tony Asoluka Emeribe, Mr Goddy Okoro, Engr. George & Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Nwigwe, Hon. Uche Agomuo, Chief/Dr Emma Hamilton Onyekwere, Dr Vitalis Ojiegbe, Dr Collins Ugochukwu, Dr & Mrs Chris Emeka Onwukwe, Chief/Dr Peter Onu, Hon. Uche Bonny Life Ndu, BK Nworgu, Dr’ Ken Akwuole and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Okoro
Reacting to the outpour of congratulatory messages Professor Oparaoji said, “I am truly grateful and humbled by the award and the deluge of congratulatory messages that have greeted it. I am a firm believer that recognition is sweetest served local, by those who know you. Thank you FMMP, thank you MPR, and long live Mbaise Nation.”
Earlier in a statement, Hon Comrade Eze Adiuku, the Chairman, Planning Committee of the event, said the program is a wake-up call to remind Mbaise people that they still have men and women that can make the place greater than what it is. He revealed that achievements of many Mbaise personalities deserve recognition and commendation which is why the recipients of the awards were honored, stressing that henceforth, the event will be held annually.
Other honorees include ESV Grace Uloaku Ekwuruibe, Amb Stanley Frednand, Nollywood star Betty Ijeoma Fidelis, High Chief Dr Summers Nwokie, Engr Gerald Osuagwu, Amb Chris Ibe, Engr Chimezie Adiuku, Lolo Chinyere Onyeise, Chief Dr & Chief Mrs Joseph Obi, Arc Chuks Ikwu, Chief Cletus Ogbonna, Chief Chuks Chilaka, Chief Jimmy Imo, Chief Bob Onyemaechi, Rev Fr Magnus Ebere and Dr Marcelli Oguh.
