The Abia State governor, His Excellency Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu was on Saturday January 28, 2022 at the Convention Center of the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos conferred with the prestigious 2022 Sun Newspapers Governor of the Year Award alongside two co-winners; Governors Duoye Diri and Umaru Fintiri of Bayelsa and Adamawa States respectively.
The Governor of the Year Award given annually over the years by the flagship of the Nigerian print media, The Sun Newspapers Limited has come to represent the finest selection of public and private office holders who despite global economic challenges have uplifted their people in very extraordinary ways even to the admiration of naysayers.
Giving reasons for the award, the Sun Newspapers said;
“Their capacity to excel, even in the most difficult of times, transcends the woes of the country. They have proven beyond doubt that despite political, economic and social challenges, they can go the extra mile to make the country proud. Like a colossus, they bestride the world of governance, entertainment, entrepreneur, industry, philanthropy, politics, banking, hospitality etc. They are men and women of achievement. One thing that stands them out is that they are mainly unassuming and simple”.
“Their giant strides last year only reflect the footprints of a tiger. They braved the odds, surmounted obstacles and delivered results anyone can be proud of. That is why they are joint winners of the Man of the Year Award".
"Three state governors, Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa) also come first in their class. Their achievements in the various States speak volumes. These are accomplishments that will stand the test of time; and for which, in a long time to come, the people will remember”.
To demonstrate the quality of the judgement of the awarding body, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife who presented the award to Governor Ikpeazu said little, though with deep significance, matter of factly and pointedly that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu deserves to be celebrated and there is no better endorsement of the achievements of Governor Ikpeazu, coming from a monarch who lives as far away as Osun State but feels the reverberations of the good works of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in Abia state.
In an emotion-laden composure, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu used the opportunity to continue to mourn and celebrate the life and times of Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, the Abia PDP governorship candidate who died last month as he dedicated the award to the memory of late Prof. Uche Ikonne.
Reacting to the award, Gov Ikpeazu said; “This award I will dedicate to the memory of my brother, my friend and my compatriot, Prof. Eleazar Ikonne who departed on the 25th of this month, and to say to him wherever he is today that we will keep the fire aglow. And to say to him also that though his sun has dimmed but the Sun is on my rvoof today. The Sun will come to the roof of all of us someday”.
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