Suleiman Anyalewecchi, Aba
Foremost Nigerian industrialist, and traditional ruler of late literary icon Chinua Achebe’s autonomous Community, the Ogidi Ancient kingdom of Anambra state, Igwe Alex Uzo Onyido, has emerged as the Nigeria Union Of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra Council 2023 Man Of The Year.
The revered royal father, and founder of one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical production outlets, Pal Pharmacy, emerged from a pool of eminent personalities that cut across the entire country earlier shortlisted for the coveted award.
In a statement issued and signed by the Chairman of NUJ Anambra state council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu and made available to NewsCritic online, the NUJ Anambra council said Igwe Onyido’s nomination is in recognition of his immense contributions to the industrial growth and development of the country, and several humanitarian gestures over the years.
The statement noted that, through the instrumentalities of his huge investments especially in the pharmaceutical industry, Igwe Onyido has provided job opportunities for about 8000 people in addition to having in his scholarship books, no fewer than one hundred youths from indigent backgrounds on yearly basis.
The executive body of Anambra NUJ who presented the nomination letter at the Ogidi palace of the royal father, described him as not only humane, caring and selfless, but also unique going by his impactful legacies in Ogidi Community, Anambra state and Nigeria in general.
The Council lauded the monarch for his contributions to wealth creation, capital development and building of bridges of understanding, unity and cooperation, across ethnic and religious lines.
The statement urged Igwe Onyido to see the award as a call for higher contributions to the growth and development of the country, as well as more services to humanity.
The royal father, while expressing joy over the honour bestowed on him by men of the pen profession, promised to justify his recognition by touching more lives positively.
“I have received many awards over the years, but the NUJ award is not only unique but challenging. It is a testimony that it is not only my Subjects, the Ogidi people that value what we do. My nomination also goes to show that the world is watching and taking notes of our leadership impacts in the society.
Journalists are the mirror through which the world sees what everyone does. I therefore receive this nomination with joy and I thank all those who found me worthy for the honour. I am promising that I will not disappoint,”Igwe Onyido stated.
The formal presentation of the award will be made on November 2, 2023 at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka.
