By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The popular Stanel Dome in Awka, Anambra State capital, was filled to the brim on Saturday as the 4th edition of the prestigious Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Award held amid panegyrics and resounding celebrations. The event, which attracted an impressive gathering of eminent personalities, was a day of glamour, honour, and recognition for distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Anambra State and beyond.
The event, themed “Gbakọtanụ̀ Ka Anyị Dozie Obodo Dike”, showed the need for collective efforts towards societal advancement. It also served as a clarion call for Ndi Anambra, both at home and in the diaspora, to harness their talents and resources for the greater good of the state. The ceremony was a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, as it featured inspiring speeches, cultural performances, and an atmosphere brimming with appreciation for excellence.
Graced by many dignitaries from various walks of life, the award night was not only a celebration of achievements but also a platform for intellectual discourse on the development of the state. It brought together top government functionaries, captains of industry, academic scholars, cultural icons, and young trailblazers, all of whom shared a common vision of promoting excellence and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Delivering a keynote address at the event, Prof. Cecilia Amoge Eme of the Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, dissected the theme and lauded the organizers for instituting an award that meritoriously honors change-makers. She emphasized that Anambra, as the land of the great, is home to numerous nationally and internationally acclaimed individuals whose contributions to society deserve recognition. According to her, such honors not only acknowledge past achievements but also serve as motivation for others to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to societal progress.
While highlighting some prevalent societal ills, including insecurity, corruption, and ritual killings, Prof. Eme commended the efforts of the government in tackling these challenges. However, she stressed that governance alone cannot solve all problems, urging individuals and groups to take proactive roles in fostering positive change. She further advocated for the preservation and promotion of Igbo language and culture, describing language as a crucial element of identity and heritage.
“Let the Igbo language be the language our children acquire from infancy. Our language embodies who we are and all we need for our social and psychological stability,” she advised, drawing applause from the audience.
Also speaking at the event, the Planning Committee Chairman of the 2024 AMTY Awards and Principal Partner & Founder of The Law Zoomers, Barr. Amaka Ezeno, emphasized that the initiative was designed to inspire and recognize the best and brightest among Ndi Anambra. She noted that the awards aim to foster a culture of excellence and reward individuals whose works have had far-reaching impacts on society. According to her, the awardees have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their fields and serve as role models for future generations.
Congratulating the awardees, Barr. Ezeno, who herself was honored as the Most Inspiring Woman of the Year in the 2023 AMTY Awards, urged them to see the honor as both a privilege and a challenge to aspire to even greater heights. She reminded them that the true value of the award lies not only in the recognition but also in the responsibility it places on them to continue making meaningful contributions to society.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Chairman of the Occasion and Chairman of Hardis and Dromedas Ltd., Dr. Chike Obidigbo, reaffirmed the credibility of the awards, stressing that the selection process was devoid of political bias. He emphasized that the awards were purely merit-based and aimed at recognizing individuals who have distinguished themselves through hard work, innovation, and service to humanity.
Dr. Obidigbo also expressed confidence in the transformative potential of Ndi Anambra, calling on well-meaning individuals to unite in driving the state towards greater heights. He highlighted the importance of visionary leadership, ethical values, and resilience in overcoming challenges and creating a prosperous society.
According to him, Anambra is a land of immense potential, and it is through collective efforts that it can fully harness its resources for sustained development. He further urged the awardees to use their platforms to inspire and mentor younger generations, ensuring the continuity of excellence in Anambra State and beyond.
He also stressed the importance of celebrating homegrown talents, innovations, and success stories, arguing that doing so fosters a culture of meritocracy and hard work. According to him, recognizing and rewarding outstanding individuals helps to build a society where excellence is valued and mediocrity is discouraged.
Beyond the awards, the event featured thrilling cultural performances from various traditional groups, adding a colorful and entertaining dimension to the occasion. The lively performances captivated the audience, reinforcing the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and the need to sustain such traditions.
The climax of the event was the presentation of awards to the distinguished honorees, who were drawn from diverse fields such as business, governance, academia, entertainment, and philanthropy.
The awardees and their respective honours included Prof. Joseph Chukwurah Ezigbo (Managing Director, Falcon Corporation) as Man of the Year; Lady Ada Chukwudozie (Chairman, Keystone Bank) as Woman of the Year; Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone (former VC, UNIZIK) as Public Servant of the Year; and Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Others included Engr. Barth Nwibe (GMD, Segofs Energy Group) as Oil and Gas Person of the Year; AIG Godwin Ndidi Aghaulor, who was also recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Prince Donatus Okonkwo (Chairman, Tetrazzini Food Plc.), honoured as Iconic Business Leader of the Year; and Ambassador Ajulu Okeke (Nigeria’s First Female Consul-General), who also received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other recipients included Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (Member, Board of Trustees, PDP) as Inspiring Political Leader of the Year; Prof. P.N. Okeke (Emeritus Professor of Physics) as Scientist of the Decade; renowned actress Ngozi Ezeonu, who was honoured with both the Lifetime Achievement Award and Best Actress of the Decade; and Dr. Chinwe Odiegwu (Kays Golden Logistics Service Ltd.), recognized as Business Woman of the Year.
The roll call of honorees continued with Chief Dr. Harry Jeffery (Chairman/CEO, Ocean Growth Homes Ltd.) as Real Estate Person of the Year; Barr. (Dr.) Ezechukwuma Richard Chibuikem (CEO, Zoffany Homes and Associates Ltd.) as Entrepreneur of the Year; and Mrs. Dorothy Ukachukwu (Principal, FGGC Abuloma), who was celebrated as the Most Inspiring Woman of the Year.
Further recognitions went to Bridget Edokwe (National Publicity Secretary, NBA, and Publisher of www.barristerng.com) as Media Person of the Year; Chief Hon. Cosmas Ogugua Agagbo (Chairman, Cosco Investment Nig. Ltd.) as Infrastructure Icon of the Year; and High Chief Azubuike Ekweozor as Philanthropist of the Year.
Additional honourees included Theresa Okoli (Provost, Federal College of Education, Umunze); Hon. Ikem Mazeli as Music Icon of the Year; Rev. Fr. Engr. Chetanna Jude Chukwuneke (Founder, Yadi) as Social Impact Investor of the Year; and Dr. Mariette Obianozie Amadi (Founder, 24TeleMed) as Diaspora Person of the Year.
The list also featured young innovators and rising stars such as ACC Onyebuchi Onwuteaka (AC Antivanda and CBRNE NSCDC, Awka) as Rising Star of the Year; Ejike Patrick Nwosu (Founder, Lumos Laboratories) as Anambra Innovator of the Year; and Ifeka Chisom Johnbosco (CEO, Bosco Clothing Company) as Creative Entrepreneur of the Year.
While the awardees took their turns to appreciate the organizers, the event reached a grand conclusion with a renewed sense of inspiration and a collective determination among the attendees to continue making meaningful contributions toward the growth and advancement of Anambra State and beyond.
