By Chidinma Omar-Icheku 



Though respectively based in the United States of America, USA and Lagos State, Dr Ifeanyi Uke,  Dr Nzeribe Okegbue and Ugwumba Chika Ishionwu made and continues to make indelible imprints in their home Community, Ikwuano LG if Abia State 


Therefore, on  Monday,  Dec. 30, 2024, their passionate interest and active participation in uplifting Ikwuano's socio-economic enhancement would be publicly acknowledged as they are honoured with different awards in  the Ikwuano Elite Distinguished Personalities Award 2024, conceptualised by the  Ikwuano Elite Forum, the community's most  popular and widely acknowledged WhatsApp platform 


While Uke and Okegbue emerged with double awards Ugwumba  Ishionwu, the energetic,  budding passionate pro-people leader took the plum prize of 'Personality Of The Year, 2024'


Even a casual observer would acknowledge that Uke and Okegbue took more than a passing interest in the affairs of  their home Community despite being hundreds of kilometres away. Indeed they epitomise the much talked about 'aku ruo ulo' theory of the widely travelled and adventurous Igbo nation.


Ugwumba  Ishionwu's emergence as Personality Of The Year was not surprising. His zeal and passion for people's welfare, good governance and his consistency in speaking truth to power not just in  Ikwuano LG, but in Abia State generally was second to none. He is widely acknowledged as a potential leadership material endowed with barrier breaking DNA and  transformational leadership traits.


The trio, though  private citizens without political offices were ever forthcoming, through monetary contributions to people's welfare and Save-Our-Soul, SOS appeals, philanthropic gestures to the indigent and needy, economic empowerment and intellectual contributions in virtual town hall conversations for a better Ikwuano. 


The Ikwuano Elites WhatsApp group utilitizing opportunities of the  fast developing information technology and internet  which has reduced the world to a true global village, captured their impact showcasing for instance Dr Uke, who despite being thousands of kilometres away was ever present as if sitting in a village square with his beloved Ikwuano people: He contributed in discussions on governance and politics, he elucidated and expantiated on knotty technical or esoteric issues, he forever preached oneness and brotherliness - caution with love - was his catchphrase. He interacted with individuals on one-to-one  basis on daily basis. He is the Virtual Uncle!


Dr Uke's best part is his large heart, his  ever  listening ear, his broad shoulders and and giving hands.  Where he could not immediately meet up, his Foundation, the Ifeanyi Uke Foundation would be mobilised to handle matters 


"The Ikwuano Elite Distinguished Personalities Award 2024 was conceptualised to honour Ikwuano sons and daughters whose contributions have significantly impacted ala Ikwuano in diverse and meaningful ways. It is a celebration of excellence, leadership, and dedication to facilitate our collective progress", the administrators of the platform stated.


Interesting, the Awardees were nominated by members themselves in am online voting and not selected by the admin comprising Henry Dube; Charles Obi-Adiezeh;  Nnaji Charles and Favour Ochiuwa


The Award ceremony which would feature 13 , categories holds at La Escape Hotel, Ikwuano, on Monday, Dec 30,  2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.


"Together, we celebrate the excellence and achievements of some of Ikwuano’s finest", the admin stated in a joint statement.


The winners in the different categories are as follows:


i. Innovator Of The Year

   Hon. Ezenwa Igwe


ii. Entrepreneur Of The Year

...Dr Godwin Nwabunka


iii. Personality Of The Year

.... Ugwumba Chika Ishionwu


iv. Foundation Of The Year

.... Ifeanyi Uke Foundation


v. Philanthropist Of The Year

..... Dr Nzeribe Okegbue


vi.  Most Supportive Foundation Of The Year

..... Nzeribe Okegbue Foundation


vii. Humanitarian Of The Year

.... Dr Ifeanyi Uke


viii. Distinguished Leadership Of The Year

.... Senator Austin O. Akobundu

.... Rep Sam Onuigbo

...  Rep  Emeka Atuma.

....Comrade Osinachi Nwaka..


ix. Emerging Leadership Award

....Chimeremeze Stanley Owunna

..... Prince Innocent Eleogu


x. Diaspora Personality Of The Year

    Chief Freddy Otuekere (Omenanwata 1)


xi. Diaspora Female Personality Of The Year

Lady Tender Ada Ikechiuku (De Lioness Adabuzo Nde Abia 1)


xii.  Meritorious Award 

....Hon Philip Iroegbulam, Philip-D

.... Dr Eze Nwaubani

.... Hon Boniface Isienyi

.... Mazi Chris O. Isika

.... Kachi Umekwe

......Chris Ugboajah

...... Captain Paul Ojinta


xiii. Most Socially Engaging

Elderly Male -  Elder Abraham Osondu (Snr)

Elderly Female - Chief Mrs Ego Nwanmuo 

Youth Male - Michael Nwabeke

Youth Female - Rita Nnanna