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…Joins Iwuanyanwu, IBB, Anyaoku, Soyinka, others in IION hall of fame
From Jude Chinedu Enugu
The Enugu State coordinator of the World Bank-sponsored Agro Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project, Ihuoma Eze has bagged the ethics, integrity ambassador’s award.
The award was bestowed on Eze by a delegation from the Center for Ethics and Self Evaluation Orientation which visited Enugu State to honor her after a rigorous eight-month secret enquiry into the activities of her office.
The delegation was led by the Executive Director of the centre, Prince Salih Musa Yakubu, accompanied by Engr. Malik Shaibu, Head of Quality Assurance and Projects Monitoring, and ethicist Godwin Barko.
In his speech, Prince Yakubu emphasized the significance of their visit, stating that the center has been dedicated to national development for the past 18 years, holding public officers accountable and promoting responsible citizenship. He praised Eze for her exemplary leadership and ethical conduct in managing the APPEALS project.
“The purpose of the APPEALS project is to reduce poverty and hunger, and create job opportunities,” said Prince Yakubu. Unfortunately, we have observed corruption in some states, but Enugu stands out due to the exceptional leadership of Mrs. Ihuoma Eze. She has demonstrated professionalism, ethical conduct, and a commitment to the welfare of the people.”
Prince Yakubu highlighted Mrs. Eze’s innovative strategies and decentralization efforts, which have significantly benefited local governments.
He announced that Enugu State’s APPEALS project ranks second nationwide in meeting the center’s standards, and presented Mrs. Eze with the Ethics and Integrity Ambassador’s Award, declaring her a gold medalist.
In her acceptance speech, Eze expressed gratitude to the centre bestowing the award on her. She acknowledged the collective effort of her team, the support from the Enugu State government, the national coordinating offices of the APPEALS project, and the World Bank team.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Mrs. Eze said. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of my team. We have been committed to serving humanity and improving livelihoods in Enugu State. I thank God for His grace, my parents for instilling values in me, and everyone who has supported us.”
With this induction, Ihuoma Eze joins distinguished group of leaders in the IION Hall of Fame that hosts the likes of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chief Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief Femi Otedola and Prof. Wale Soyinka.
