The people of Ishiagu community in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have, for the first time, honoured distinguished sons of the community and other leaders who have made significant contributions to the development of the area, the state and the country.
Among those honoured with the highest award from the community were the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim.
The award ceremony took place at the weekend during the maiden Ishiagu Day and Hall of Fame celebration, an event organised to celebrate the community’s heritage, unity, culture and individuals who have contributed to its growth.
The community also endorsed Governor Nwifuru for a second term in office in the 2027 general election.
Nwifuru, who was represented at the event by his Deputy Governor, Patricia Obila, expressed appreciation to the people of Ishiagu for the recognition and endorsement.
He assured the community that a second term in office would provide an opportunity for his administration to deepen democracy dividends and attract more infrastructural development to Ishiagu.
Speaking at the event, Senator Anyim commended Nwifuru for what he described as his efforts towards restoring peace in Ishiagu and implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
He said the governor’s recognition was a demonstration of the community’s appreciation of his contributions, while urging the people to sustain the peace and cooperation that had enabled the community to organise the historic celebration.
The Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Hon Michael Anyim, also commended the return of peace to Ishiagu, noting that the peaceful atmosphere made the celebration possible.
Anyim said the situation in the area had changed significantly, stressing that the people were now able to come together and celebrate their community.
“I have seen that peace has come in Ivo Local Government, and that is why they were able to perform this type of programme.
“If it was before, this could not happen, but today, Ishiagu people have been relieved from everyday trouble.
“I will make sure I uphold this peace and the programme. I want the people to maintain peace,” he said.
One of the awardees, Chief Gideon Osi, described his recognition as a testimony to his years of service to humanity.
Osi, who cited medical outreaches, scholarships, skills training and various forms of assistance to residents among his interventions, said the Hall of Fame should not merely be about celebrating individuals but should also inspire others to contribute meaningfully to the community.
He urged successful members of the community to deploy their resources towards supporting others rather than intimidating them.
Another awardee and commissioner for solid minerals in the state, Hon Chinedu Nkah, also called for caution in disputes over land and mineral resources in the area, noting that Ishiagu’s mineral wealth could provide long-term economic benefits to the people if properly managed and harnessed.
A stakeholder from the community, Uka Franklin, described the event as historic, saying it celebrated the existence, unity, culture and traditions of the Ishiagu people.
Franklin expressed hope that the initiative would become a model for other communities in Ebonyi State and the South-East to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and community development.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee of the event, Uchenna Orji, said the celebration was organised to recognise excellence in leadership, service and hard work.
Orji commended the honoured leaders for their contributions to peace and development in Ebonyi State, urging them to sustain their efforts.
The former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi State also expressed delight over what he described as the growing unity and peace in Ishiagu and the state at large.
The maiden Ishiagu Day and Hall of Fame celebration therefore provided an avenue for the community to honour its distinguished personalities, celebrate its cultural heritage and reaffirm its commitment to peace, unity and sustainable development.
Others awarded are Engr. Makwe Livinus, Peter Afunanya PhD, Makwe Eugene PhD, Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, Arch. Moses Ajah, Prince Ajah Nwabueze, Pharm. Chinedu Makwe, Hon. Chief Emmanuel Ajah, Chief Modestus Emeka and many others.
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