by Omenihu Alfred Fibmn
History is replete with examples of those who lead by example, with wisdom, courage, accountability, and love, guided by reflection and empathy, using their minds to accomplish what their hearts know to be true. And you can agree with me that such first-rate giants will continue to receive status conferral in other for others to emulate their golden principles. Hence, the Advisers of Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, under the aegis of OVI body of advisers recently hosted an interactive session wherein outstanding and notable Abians who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields were recognized and honoured.
In his opening remarks during the event, the chairman of the group and Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Water Works, Mr. Collins Nwakanma stated that the gesture is aimed at encouraging and recognizing patriotic Abians and also spur other well to do Abians to think Abia first.
Top on the list of awardees is the governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu who was bestowed with a sterling Award of Excellence, for his visionary leadership which is seeing Abia undergo a solid infrastructural revolution never witnessed before in the history of the state. The next was the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, for his rare supportive gestures, innate humility in service, and strong team spirit which has brought absolute peace in the administration of Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu. Other patriots include the Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Aham Uko, Chief Dr. Nzeribe Okegbue-a patriotic, disciplined, and dynamic Nigerian businessman with proven track records both local and internationally.
He is the founding MD/CEO of Combatant Guards Limited, Nzealbertech (Nig.) Ltd and many other companies.
Interestingly, Chief Nzeribe has over two decades of experience in Security Operations / Management. A member of American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), Vice Chairman Association of Licenced Security Practitioners of Nigeria (Lagos Zone), Fellow- Nigeria Institute of Industrial Security, Fellow- The Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria, Fellow- Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria, Fellow- Institute of Transport and Management Technology of Nigeria, Fellow- Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria and he is an international Certified Management Consultant. Currently, he is the Chairman of, Security Committee, Igbo Think Tank Group. In the area of employment opportunities, Dr. Okegbue through his Companies has provided thousands of jobs to young Nigerians mostly in Lagos, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Oyo, and Ogun States. He is a youth crusader who believes the best way to keep youths out of crime is to empower them through education, job creation, and skill acquisition.
Responding to the award Chief Okegbue thanked the body and promised to continue making Abia the centerpiece of his investment plans. Few other awardees were the Director-General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia state Mr. Anyaso Anyaso, the Chairman of the body, Hon. Collins Nwakanma and Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Erondu Ogbonna.
Speaking on behalf of the body, the secretary and the immediate past commissioner for Boundary and Conflict resolution, Chief Imo Mascot Obike, stated that the occasion was an attempt to reward the Igbo maxim of AKU RUO ULO. The high point of the event was a visit to the motherless babies’ home Ahiaeke as well as the school of the blind Afaraukwu.
