Encomiums for Okeze, others at Community Newspaper Publishers Annual Lecture

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

More commendation have been pouring in for, Mr Idewu Okeze, on his conferment with the prestigious award as the Community Developer of the Year, by the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria(ACNPN). Leading the pack is the amiable brother of the recipient, Hon. Onyesis Okeze, who described his brother as a true genius and hero who has lived a life of selfless service to humanity and made sacrifices for the benefit of many people who have crossed his path.

According to his, the award is in recognition and testimony of Mr Okeze’s vision, integrity and hard work, which all prove that nothing can limit a man with a determination to succeed. While expressing his joy and that of the children in joining numerous others across the world to celebrate Okeze’s investiture, Hon. Onyesis Okeze prayed that God would continue to strengthen his beloved brother to do more for society. For all the people of Ibusa in Delta State, the recognition and celebration of one of their own, a role model, Okeze, by The (ACNPN) was a confirmation of his life of integrity, hard work and discipline. Speaking through Engr. Peter Nwose, the people said the conferment of the Community Developer of the Year award would impact positively on the people, even as they prayed that God would further strengthen Mr Idewu Okeze to achieve more for the betterment of the community and society at large.

In the same vein, Mr. Henry Mordi aka Ojokojo,on behalf of 13 other friends,in their felicitations, noted that the honour done Idewu Okeze was a testimony of his passion for youth empowerment through which he has continued to impact positively on the nation’s economy and beyond by lifting many people and their families out of poverty and hopelessness.

At the awards ceremony, held at the Vienna International Hotel,Asaba,Delta State, the National Chairman of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria(ACNPN),Comrade Jude Obiemenyego described Mr Idewu Okeze and the 22 other awardees as visionaries in their chosen businesses, professions and fields of endeavour. Mr Okeze was honoured alongside other distinguished Nigerians, among whom were Delta State PDP Governorship Sheriff Oborevworie,Real Estate Mogul, Sir Chuks Okonji{Omelora),Dr Tony Nwaka, Prince Rister Izedunor, and ITC/Computer guru Iyke Nwoko, popularly known as Iyke Computers, Comrade Obiemenyego disclosed that all the 23 awardees emerged after painstaking selection and nomination processes and congratulated them for the recognition and honour bestowed on them in a country of a population of more than 180 million.

Obiemenyego, therefore, challenged Nigerians to have faith and remain optimistic about the development and growth of the country.

Receiving the prestigious award on behalf of Mr Idewu Okeze,Hon. Onyesis Okeze expressed gratitude to The Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria(ACNPN) for the honour done his brother and other eminent Nigerians. He dedicated the award to Almighty God, his immediate family, the entire Ibusa community and all Nigerians.He noted that despite the harsh economic environment and the attendant challenges facing the nation,Idewu Okeze, through dint of hard work and God’s blessings, has been able to weather the storm to achieve excellence, which, obviously, stood him out for recognition as the Community Builder of the Year by The Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria(ACNPN).With him at the awards ceremony were traditional rulers, friends and family members who gathered to share in the joy of the Okeze family.

Hon. Onyesis Okeze seized the opportunity to pray for continued grace upon his loving brother so that he could continue to impact positively on the life of the people and society.

The memorable event was spiced up with scintillating performance by musician and popular comedian, MC -I Go yan,. For many, the ceremony was a day to remember for many years to come.