Follow Us on Google
From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, Minister of Works, David Umahi, former Senate president, Anyim Pius Anyim and former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, were among 17 sons and daughters of Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency honoured for their services to the state and the nation.
Also garlanded was the spokesman of the Department of State service (DSS), Dr. Peter Afunanya.
They were honoured during a cultural festival of the federal constituency held at Central School, Egunkwor Onicha. The event was sponsored by the member representing the constituency, Nkemkanma Kama.
While Nwifuru bagged Youths Oriented Leadership Award, Umahi was given Iconic Leadership Award. Anyim received Leadership Excellence Award and Onu bagged Selfless Leadership Award.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state in the 2023 general election, Chief Chukwuma Odii, received Outstanding Humanitarian Award while popular business mogul, Dr. Gideon Osi, was given the Illustrious Award.
Addressing his constituents, Kama described culture as the lifeblood of any society.
“One of my primary focuses as your representative is to promote peace and unity amongst ourselves. The OHANIVO Cultural Carnival which is designed to showcase our rich and diverse cultural heritage is one of the means of promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in Ohaozara/Onicha/lvo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
“Undoubtedly, no meaningful and measurable growth and progress can be achieved in the midst of crisis, chaos, bickering and disunity.
“As a people, we’ve come a long way. From 1976 through 1996, we existed as one indivisible Ohaozara Local Government Area (now referred to as Old Ohaozara). The 1996 political expansion that split us into Ohaozara, Onicha and lvo Local Government Areas couldn’t divide us as it brought us into same Federal Constituency; Ohaozara/Onicha/lvo Federal Constituency and we’ve continued to coexist peacefully.
“Therefore, there’s now the need to make a unique definition of who we are through our culture, our way of life and tell our stories in our own unique way. This is what this carnival stands for and promotes.”
He said the event would be held annually.
