2023 Midwest Achievers Awards: Ogbeifun, Osula, Ogbeide-Ihama, EJ, Owieadolor, Urhoghide, Owie, Ihonvbere Shines with Honour

The 2023 Midwest Herald Achievers Awards held last Sunday August 20, 2023 at the 5-Star Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, South West Nigeria.

The ceremony had all the draping of avant-gardes, class and glitz that is associated with the iconic Award.

Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Rowland Owie, the keynote speaker, in his paper titled, “Nigeria: X-raying the Past, Facing the Challenges of the Future”, called on the federal government to emulate past leaders of the country in delivering democracy dividends to the people.

He noted that the leaders such as Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, among others, served the country with selflessness.

Senator Owie who was bagged the Living Legend Award, added: “As we move forward, the echoes of the past still resonate, reminding us of the leaders who embodied selflessness and service.

“The legacy of Obafemi Obafemi Awolowo, Lateef Jakande, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Tafawa serves as a beacon, remining us that leadership should be an act of devotion, a commitment to the welfare of the people.

“To the current administration, the tapestry of history calls upon you to upload this sacred duty.

“Leaders should live the lives of the past leaders who were there for the people and not for themselves.

“One cannot find any mansion that was built by the Sardauna of Sokoto, nor an on fin any in Bauchi that is own by Tafawa Balewa. These leaders served the people with the fear of God.” Owie said.

Highlight of the ceremony was the investiture of eight Nigerians as recipients of the 2023 Midwest Herald Achievers Awards.

Senator Owie a time-tested Nigerian politician, who over the years, has successfully withstood the slippery political landscape to evolve as a reliable and constant voice in national discuss was decorated with the ‘Living Legend Award’.

Princess Dr. (Mrs.) Rosemary Osula Mku-Atu, Founder Rosula Foundation received the award for Education Philanthropy for providing hope for hundreds of indigent students with scholarship awards; Engr. Osa Owieadolor, Bedrock Human Development Foundation got the award for Life Changing Social and Economic Intervention with intrinsic interventions in education, school sports, and other social services; Rt. Hon. Engr. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama was decorated with the ‘Distinguished Parliamentarian Award for promoting culture during his tenure as member of the federal house of representatives.

Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader, Federal House of Representatives received the award for ‘Visible Contribution to the Advancement of Democracy in Nigeria’ for his inspirational struggle, dedication and commitmnt to demoracy in Nigeria; Engr. Greg Utomwen Ogbeifun, award for ‘Industry and Leadership’, for his role in the Maritime Industry where he built the first Indigenous Ship-repair Yard.

Senator Matthew Aisagbonriodion Urhoghide was rewarded with the ‘Legislative Distinction Award’ for his eloquence, and audacious legislative agenda.

Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, former federal legislator and member, Code of Conduct Bureau received the ‘Role Model Award’ for his anti-corruption crusade agenda.

Welcoming the guests and awardees the ceremony, the Vice Chairman, Midwest Herald Achievers Awards, Dr. Owen Omo-Ojo explained that the award series was designed to recognize men and women that has positively impact the Nigerian society and assured that, the tradition to honour prominent achievements of patriotic Nigerians will be sustained.

“All the 2023 winners were selected based on a range of all-round evaluation criteria. Regardless of their primary activity and spheres of interest, these individuals all have something essential in common – they are products of sheer hard work, passion, and perseverance, and they do their best to serve their community.”

So therefore, she added, “…we encourage all the beneficiaries today, to continue and never relent in you effort in impacting our dear country, Nigeria.”

In his remark, the Chairman, Editor-in-Chief of Midwest Herald Community Newspaper, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP, told the packed-full audience that, the Achievers Award is the Corporate Social Responsibility vehicle of his media house.

“Our goal is to identify and promote persons who due to their personal decision to become the change, and in the process, has been able to inspire hope in others.

“The editorial policy of Midwest Herald is to strengthen communities and challenge them to hold their leaders accountable for their actions and demand good leadership at all times.”

According to him, Midwest Herald is listed in the United State’s Congress Library. “W are guided by th ethos of the forefathers of Nigerian Press”. Omo-Ojo added.

Expectedly, the ceremony brought together guests from different backgrounds, including Dr. (Mrs.) Betty Omo-Ojo, wife of the Editor-in-Chief, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo Honourable Justice Adeniyi Adebajo, Hon. Hillary Otsu, Prince Kenneth Eweka, Mr. Ochuko Ogedegbe, Mr. Nosa Ebohon, Mr. Neil Egbor, Sir Thomas Agboifo, Dr. George Agbonlahor, and Ms Iroghama Ogbeifun, Managing Director of Starzs Investment Ltd,

Others were Mr. Adeniyi Adeyi, Mr. Atiemoria Ebhodaghe, Mr. Stephen Ojo, Engr. Clement Oriabure, Mr. Michael Sokari, Mr. Johnson Onuigbo, Dr. Joseph Aigboduwa, Ms Ivie Aluyi, Dr. Olusola Osho, Mrs. Mofuluke Kashiro, Arch Luckie Ogbeifun and his wife, Mrs. Happiness Onyinye Ezenwa and Mrs. Sofieye Uzor.

Also in attendance were Osa Director, Esq, Hon Kingsley Uwagbale, Chief Owen Obaseki, Comrade Aiyamenkhue Edokpolor, Mrs. Omozusi Emezi who represented Princess Dr. (Mrs.) Rosemary Osula-Mku-Atu, Prof Sylvester Odion Aikhiene, Comrade Erasmus Ikhidi, Mr. Ewaen Sorae, Mrs. Ifejika Uju Catherine, Noel Iyoha, Godswill Jonathan, Tony Obiaka, Adeniyi Adebajo, Madam Grace Boluwajoko of Home of God’s Grace Orphanage, Mr. Nosa Ebohon, Mr. Tony Obiaka, Vivian Obiaka, Emmanuel Oboh and Mr. Efosa Aruede.