• Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, presenting letters nominating Deputy Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Lady Adaora Umeoji and USA-based Nigerian charismatic preacher, Archbishop Emeka Agwu (photo, right) respectively as winners of The Sun Humanitarian Service Icon of the Year award for 2023 in Abuja

 

Deputy Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Lady Adaora Umeoji and USA-based Nigerian charismatic preacher, Archbishop Emeka Agwu, have praised The Sun for promoting values that have continued to catalyse growth and development of Nigeria.

They said the newspaper’s programme of identifying and honouring individuals who are excelling and making selfless contributions to social, economic and political development in the country is salutary.

Umeoji and Agwu will receive The Sun Humanitarian Service Icon award, for their act of philanthropy, along 32 others who will equally receive other categories of awards on February 17, 2024 in Lagos.

The duo spoke at separate occasions in Abuja, while receiving their letters of nomination from the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr Onuoha Ukeh.

In his remarks, Archbishop Agwu, who is the President/Chief Apostle of Voice of Evangelism International, Houston, USA, said The Sun had redefined Nigeria’s media space by clinging to balanced reportage and championing the cause of the masses.

The clergy said The Sun’s good works reverberate across the globe through the power of the internet.

He said: “I want to say a big thanks to The Sun. The Sun online pops on Nigeria diaspora group every day. It’s our information hub. We cherish the medium.

“The Sun is for Nigeria, West Africa and the world. You can appreciate why I’m most humbled about the award.

“When people celebrate what you do, it humbles you. It’s a call for harder work. This is a duty call. We have to carry on with the work we’re doing.

“This award will speak from generation to generation. It’s a generational blessing.”

On her part, Adaora Umeoji described The Sun as a leading voice in the country that is speaking for the less-privileged.

She said: “The Sun has done so well. You guys are doing a good job in promoting unity in the country. Nobody told me about this award. I just woke up and saw my name.

“It means The Sun does serious research on awardees and that only deserving people get the award. The thorough research shows that The Sun Awards are very credible. Keep doing what you’re doing.

“I’m really thrilled. It means you’re watching what we’re doing and this will push me to do more. I’m passionate about helping people and the less privileged. I learnt this from my parents.”

Speaking earlier on the choice of the awardees, The Sun MD said they had extended extraordinary gestures to thousands of people in philanthropy.

He described Archbishop Agwu as a rare breed evangelist whom many have described as God’s gift to his generation.

He said that Agwu had, through his God-given resources and contacts impacted the global community, using the instrumentality of his office to establish a social welfare infrastructure.

Uked caled the Archbishop “a leadership trainer and economic empowerment advocate,” who ranks among the “biggest preachers not only in the United States of America, but also across the world, where he is championing the spread of the Gospel of salvation and advocacy for better life to people of diverse nationalities and religious backgrounds.

“His message of hope to the weary which he perfectly combines with social welfares has brought relief to millions of troubled souls confronted with social maladies like depression, addiction and poverty across the world.

“Over the past two decades of his blossoming global outreach, Dr. Agwu has used the gospel to mentor and heal troubled souls as signs and wonders continued to follow his ministry.”

Lauding Umeoji for standing firmly for the less privileged, Ukeh described her as a banker of repute, occupying the position of Deputy Managing Director in one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Zenith Bank Plc, but taking great interest in giving succour to women, children and the poor.

He told Lady Umeoji: “Beyond banking, you have devoted a better part of your life to serving humanity, deploying your resources and time to community service and care for the less privileged.

“Over the years, you have dedicated yourself to several humanitarian programmes, lifting poor individuals and putting smiles on their faces.

“Your footprints in philanthropy is etched on the sand of the Catholic Church, where you have made substantial contributions to charitable projects.

“You have an Adorable Christmas Initiative, which has been a source of succour for indigent children and disadvantaged individuals for nearly two decades. In the programme, you hosts over 5,000 indigent children during the Yuletide, providing them with back-to-school academic materials and treating them to a festive celebration.

“Your Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation supports individuals battling cancer by offering medical and relief materials.”

Apart from Umeoji and Agwu, others who will receive The Sun Awards 2023 are: Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Groiup; Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings and Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman, Innoson Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Limited (Man of the Year); Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State (Governor of the Year); Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Prof Awa Kalu and Rev. Uma Ukpai (Lifetime Achievement Award); HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife and HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri (Most Impactful Royal Father of the Year).

Others are Amb Olufolake Abdulrazaq, wife of the Kwara State governor (First Lady of the Year); Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate, Labour Party (Political Icon of the Year); Dr. Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, Chairman/CEO, Richland Property and Homes Limited; Chief Kenneth Ifekudu (Agbalanze), Chairman, Diamond Leeds Ltd and Chief Peter Oge Obih, Chairman, Sea Map Group of Companies (Businessman of the Year); High Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, Chairman, Pinnatech Engineering Nigeria Limited; Dr. Oludare Akande, Chairman, Bellagio Air Limited and Dr. Jayne Onwumere, MD, Property World Africa Network (PWAN) Group (Investor of the Year); Dr. Uche Ogah, President, Masters Energy Group; Chief Celestine Ebubeogu, Chairman, Tiger Foods Limited and Chief James Uzuh, Chairman, J_Jumac Industries Limited(Industrialist of the Year); Chief Ikenna Okafor, Chairman, Keves Global Leasing Ltd (Humanitarian Service Icon); and Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman, Tantita Security (Courage in Leadership Award).

Also, other award winners are Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, CEO, Nigerian Upstream Petroluem Regulatory Commission; Mr. Robert Aziboala, Founder, Zeetin Engineering Limited and Mr. Charles Odii, DG, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) (Public Service Award); Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO, Wema Bank and Mr. Femi Bakre, Managing Director, Parallex Bank (Banker of the Year); Bukola Olopade, MD/CEO, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd. (Sport Personality of the Year); Lady Ngozi Ezeonu and Tobi Bakre (Nollywood Icon of the Year).