By Udodirim Oti, Awka
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 3 of Alor kingdom, made this known 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 obviously excited first class Royal father expressed happiness for emerging the preffered choice for the highly coveted maiden honour which would be bestowed on him at a colourful ceremony billed for November 7, 2024 at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press center, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Justifying his emergence, Igwe Okonkwo traced his generous heart of giving to his childhood "I saw myself giving out what I had at a young age. Even while I was in secondary school, I share 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 town) 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 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. Its 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 assention to the throne of my ancestors. Infact, this award will be the best award I am going to receive.
Earlier the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, while making the presentation stated that the nomination did not come so easy because of the processes it took to arrive to this final stage after defeating over a 100 other contestants who are 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 noted that Igwe Okonkwo of Alor will be making history on 7th day of November, 2024 when the award will be bestowed on him being the first ever to be so recognised by NUJ in New Anambra and old Anambra State.
Dr Odogwu said in line with NUJ, Anambra State tradition, elaborate arrangements is in top gear including massive publicity both 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.
"Under my watch as the NUJ chairman in the past three years, no one can toil with the union. We have capacity to deliver a successful event. We will celebrate him because he deserves it.
Also speaking at the occasion, Kasie Abone, threw more light into the rigourous process the award nomination was subjected to ensure the emergence of the best candidate.
According to her, 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.
What makes NUJ award nomination process tough is that we want to be sure that we get the most credible person and that person must emerge through popular votes .
"We put you on a scale for us to know whom we are bringing to the world; the scale surely titled in your favour.
"Odogwu as our chairman puts a magic touch into wharever he does. When he signs something it means that that thing has credibility and authenticity', Kasie concluded.