A frontline aspirant of the June 26th Anambra state, People's Democratic Party. (PDP) Governorship primary, Dr. Godwin Maduka has received the prestigious Dr. Micheal Okpara's philanthropy of the Millennium Award.
Dr. Maduka who is a renowned medical doctor, philanthropist and an astute politician was conferred on the honour by the son of the Premier of Eastern Region Chief Uzodinma Okpara, at the multi-purpose hall of Dr. Godwin Maduka campaign office Awka.
There is no doubt that the philanthropist gesture of Dr. Maduka, his acquired reputation for touching lives of many people and families in his Umuchukwu town, in Orumba South of Anambra state, and other places in the South East region of Nigeria, may have endeared the Dr Micheal Okpara's foundation to confer on him such honour
Speaking while handling over the award to the receiptian, Chief Uzodinma Okpara expressed delight at Dr Maduka's philanthropy gesture, according to them, "it's been monitored for over a decade from the distance Abia state, without recourse of expecting anything in return".
"Our father too will be glad to witness what we are doing, because you posses all the qualities our father lived for".
"Our foundation is unique and we conduct our research on individuals with distinguished background, who have excelled in their endeavours, and went ahead to continue impacting on the lives of their people".
Chief Uzodinma Okpara who is the leader of Okpara Foundation and Verbatim News Network Limited, said they are acting in honour of their late father and leader, Michael Iheonukara Okpara, reaffirmed their position on ensuring the presitgious honour is not given to the wrong individuals.
In his acceptance speech, the elated Dr. Maduka expressed delight to acknowledge that what he is doing in his community and other places in the South east is being recognised by some persons.
He said he has been receiving many awards, but the Dr. Micheal Okpara's honour would spur him to continue do doing what he likes doing to ensure people are lifted from their poverty stricken situation.
Dr Maduka explained how Dr. Micheal Okpara inspired him to become a medical doctor, touch lives, go into politics and spend fortunes on developmental projects.
Maduka , who holds doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Medicine and a professorship in medical science, also presides over affairs of the Pain Institute and Medical Centre, a multi billion dollar medical and pharmaceutical conglomerate in Las Vegas, USA, as Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
’I have never ceased from admiring Dr. Michael Okpara, the great leader, nationalist, politician and Medical Doctor like myself .
"I am inspired by Okpara’s developmental legacies and life as a medical doctor who embraced politics and used opportunity of his elevation to the status of premier to make the Eastern Region of Nigeria, one of the fastest growing regions in the world in the 1960s".
"I will do all I can to follow his style and make Anambra the number one state in Nigeria if elected Governor at the November 6th governorship election in the state".
Dr Maduka said he feels highly honoured to be considered as philanthropist of the millennium, and explained that he keyed into the project immediately it was brought to his notice because of his respect for the man Okpara who he said was a legend.
The event was conducted in honour of Dr Michael Okpara by its Foundation, as part of the Centenary Celebration of Rt. Hon Dr, Michael Okpara, the Premier of former Eastern Nigeria, he was a renowned heart surgeon and a politician.
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