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Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, and Minister of Works David Umahi have been honoured with iconic awards by the people of Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of the state for their contributions to the development of the state and the country.
The Ebonyi leaders were honoured at the weekend during the Ishiagu Day and Hall of Fame celebration.
Nwifuru, who was represented by his Deputy, Patricia Obila, during the event, expressed gratitude for the honour and for his endorsement for the 2027 general election.
He assured that his second term would bring greater democracy dividends and infrastructural investments to Ishiagu.
In his remarks, Anyim commended Nwifuru for restoring peace in Ishiagu and executing projects aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
He described the award as a testament to the community’s appreciation of the governor’s commitment, urging the people to sustain the peace and cooperation that had enabled the community to come together for the celebration.
The Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Stanley Anyim, hailed the return of peace in the community which he said made the event possible.
“I have seen that peace has come in Ivo Local Government, that is why they were able to perform this type of programme.
“If it is before, this cannot happen but today Ishiagu people have been relieved from everyday trouble.
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“I will make sure I uphold this peace and the programme. I want the people to maintain peace,” he said.
One of the awardees, Chief Gideon Osi, described his recognition as a testimony to his years of service to humanity, citing medical outreaches, scholarships, skills training and assistance to residents as some of his interventions in the community.
Osi said the Hall of Fame should go beyond celebrating individuals to inspire residents to contribute to their community, urging successful people to use their resources to support others rather than intimidate them.
He called for caution over disputes involving land and mineral resources in the area, stressing that the community’s mineral wealth could provide long-term benefits if properly harnessed.
A stakeholder from the community, Oka Franklin, described the event as historic, saying it celebrated the existence, unity, culture and traditions of the Ishiagu people, while expressing the hope that the initiative would encourage communities across Ebonyi and the South-East to embrace peaceful coexistence.
The Chairman of the central planning committee of the event, Uchenna Orji, said it was organised by the community to recognise excellence in leadership, service and hard work.
He commended the honoured Ebonyi leaders for peace and development of the state and urged them to continue their good works.
Orji, a former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in the state, expressed happiness over the unity and peace in the community and the state in general.
