Uneme Communities to Honour NAHCO Director Obabori, Oshiomhole, Others
Nine Uneme communities in Edo North are set to celebrate prominent individuals for their exceptional contributions to progressive projects within their various communities.
Among the distinguished honourees is Dr Sola Obabori, the Group Executive Director of NAHCO Aviance Plc, a leading aviation handling company in Nigeria.
He will be honoured alongside Dr Ainojie Irune, Executive Director of Oando Nigeria Limited, a key player in the nation’s oil and gas industry, and Dr Bridget Osakwe, the National Network Coordinator of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria, recognised for her efforts in fostering peace across West Africa.
Other notable personalities to be honoured include the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, whose work in the region has been lauded for addressing development challenges.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, renowned for his transformative leadership, will also receive recognition.
Religious and academic leaders such as the Archbishop of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, Tunde Adeleye, and Professor Emmanuel Emasealu of the University of Port Harcourt will be celebrated for their spiritual and educational contributions, respectively.
The list of honourees is further enriched with Sir Dayo Alabi, former President of the Uneme National Development Association (UNDA), and Dr Adetutu Obabori, Principal of Queens College, Lagos, a respected educational institution.
The Chairman of the event’s planning committee, Mr Bayo Akhigbe, addressed journalists in Lagos ahead of the ceremony, stating that the event is not merely an awards ceremony but a platform to celebrate those who have positively impacted the Uneme communities.
“We, as a people and communities, have decided to celebrate our illustrious sons and daughters and honour them as proud ambassadors,” Akhigbe said.
“In their own various ways, they have affected the Uneme communities positively through interventions in education, health, agriculture, and job creation programmes. We are grateful for the contributions they have made and, at the same time, request for more,” he added.
The honourees, through their various initiatives, have spearheaded programmes that have uplifted the Uneme communities. These include educational scholarships, healthcare improvements, agricultural empowerment initiatives, and job creation schemes that have alleviated poverty and improved livelihoods in the area.
Their collective efforts, according to Akhigbe, have made a lasting impact on the people, positioning them as role models within and beyond the region.
Beyond celebrating these individuals, Akhigbe said the event will serve as the launch of a N500 million education and security trust fund aimed at addressing the growing challenges in these critical sectors across the Uneme communities.
Slated to take place on Saturday, 14th September, in Benin City, Edo State, the fundraising ceremony will be dedicated to improving educational infrastructure, providing scholarships, and strengthening local security efforts to ensure the safety and development of the region.
Speaking further on the trust fund, Akhigbe noted, “Our communities face significant developmental challenges, particularly in education and security.
“The trust fund will provide a much-needed financial boost to address these issues and create a more conducive environment for future generations.”
The trust fund is expected to facilitate the construction of new schools, equip existing institutions with modern learning materials, and offer scholarships to indigent students.
In addition, it will support security initiatives, such as community policing and surveillance, to safeguard the lives and properties of residents.
Looking forward to the forthcoming landmark event, the organisers said there is a palpable sense of pride and anticipation, as the ceremony not only recognises those who have given back but also galvanises further efforts towards community development.
By bringing together prominent figures and channelling resources into education and security, the Uneme people are taking bold steps to secure a brighter future.
The award and fundraising event promises to be a historic moment for the Uneme communities, as they honour their own and build a foundation for continued growth and prosperity.
