By Jude Atupulazi
His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, of Alor, in Idemilli South Local Government Area, has described his nomination as the NUJ Philanthropist of the Decade as his best award nomination ever.
Igwe Okonkwo who is also the Ezedioramma 111 of Alor Kingdom, disclosed this after receiving the nomination letter presented to him by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council Chairman, Comrade Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, on behalf of the union.
The presentation which took place at his Alor Palace, was witnessed by some Alor indigenes and some NUJ members in attendance.
The visibly excited monarch expressed happiness for emerging the choice for the highly coveted maiden honour which will be bestowed on him at a colourful ceremony billed for November 7, 2024 at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Justifying his emergence, Igwe Okonkwo traced his generous heart of giving, right from his childhood. ‘I saw myself giving out what I had at a young age. Even while I was in secondary school, I shared my things with fellow students at school.
‘I have trained more that 30 billionaires; 20 in Alor and 10 across other communities. At Eke Umuogbo (a location in Alor) we gave out lands, developed them and handed them over to people; we even built the Catholic Church there as well. In 2014, 150 keke Napep (tricycles) were shared to our people, while about 72 students are beneficiaries of my scholarship scheme.
‘In Alor, I have built houses for indigent families in my community. Fifteen people are beneficiaries of my SUVs largesse. It’s important to mention that I do not discriminate, no mater your denomination or belief.
‘I am overwhelmed because I don’t know that people are watching what we have been doing since my ascension to the throne of my ancestors. In fact, this award will be the best award I am going to receive,’ he said.
Earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu, while making the presentation, stated that the nomination did not come easy because of the processes it took to arrive at the final stage after the nominee defeating over a 100 other contestants who, he said, were also ably qualified.
Odogwu further explained that selecting the nominee was a huge task but that the panel did a meticulous job while he vehemently resisted every attempt to compromise the process.
‘It is not about money, rather, it’s about what people are saying about your philanthropic gestures,’ he said, noting that Igwe Okonkwo of Alor would be making History on the 7th of November, 2024 when the award would be bestowed on him, being the first ever to be so recognised by the NUJ in New Anambra and Old Anambra States.
Dr Odogwu said in line with the NUJ, Anambra State Tradition, elaborate arrangements were in top gear, including massive publicity, both in online and traditional media; including bill boards, newspapers, radio, television and digital platforms, to deliver a resounding ceremony.
‘We are happy all of you are here affirming what we are saying today,’ Odogwu said to Alor Youths present at the occasion.
He said over the past three years, he had ensured that no one could toy with his union, noting that they had the capacity to deliver a successful event.
Also speaking on the occasion, Mrs Kasie Abone threw more light into the rigourous process the award nomination was subjected, to ensure the emergence of the best candidate, disclosing that over 100 candidates who were nominated went through screening before the best emerged.
‘Winning the Philanthropist of the decade, means that you ascended the throne prepared to touch the lives of your subjects, otherwise it will not make sense that you won the award.
‘So, from the first day on the throne, he started touching the lives of his people. It is something of honor that you won especially as it coincides with your 10 Years Anniversary on the throne. It is worthy of celebration,’ she said.
