By Saidu Idris
365Daily – Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, in continuation of events to mark the completion of his second term in office, is set to formally commission the 13,000 capacity International Convention Centre, Awka, one of the legacy projects of his administration.
The event, which will hold on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, will also be used to honour some of the Anambra State shining lights; individuals who have excelled in their various fields of endeavours and projected Anambra in good light.
The awardees cut across both public and private sectors and made up of three categories: ‘Distinguished Anambra State Grand Commander Medal’, ‘Distinguished Anambra State Commander Medal’, and ‘Anambra State Merit Award’.
According to the organizers, “The Distinguished Anambra State Grand Commander Medal is to be awarded to individuals who have recorded outstanding performance and achievements nationally and internationally in fields of politics, diplomacy etc.
It is the highest honour given by the Anambra State Government, and is rated at Nigeria’s CFR (Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic) level or above.
“The ‘Distinguished Anambra State Commander Medal’ is Anambra State’s second highest honours to be bestowed on businessmen, and professionals in law, medicine, arts, sports, trade and commerce, diplomacy etc, and who have recorded outstanding achievements in their professions/industry and have made contributions to the prosperity of Anambra State.
“The third category is ‘Anambra State Merit Award’, and will be bestowed on Ndi Anambra from all works of life who have shown exemplary dedication to duty, and or who have gone out of their way to show outstanding civic responsibilities in fields such as sports, academics, and entertainment. It also includes young inventors and young business trailblazers.
The late Author of Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Late Olauda Equaino, a member of the Abolitionist movement, Late Blessed Cyprian Iwene Michael Tansi are among the eminent personalities to be honoured with the Distinguished Anambra State Grand Commander Medal.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Dr. Uche Nworah, the Chairman of
M-P Infrastructure Ltd, promoters of Awka Millennium City (AMC), the joint real estate venture with Anambra state government, Senator Mike Ajaegbo and Hon. Obi Nwankwo, Anambra state Commissioner for Environment, are among those to be bestowed with the Distinguished Anambra State Commander Medal.
Dr. Vera Udoye, Principal, Government Technical College, Onitsha, and Miss Agnes Ego Maduafokwa, highest scoring JAMB candidate in 2020, are among those that will be honoured with Anambra State Merit Award.