Senator Orji, Jonathan, Abacha, others get Ebonyi highest award of honour

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By Steve Oko

Abia former Governor and the incumbent Senator representing Abia Central, Senator Theodore Orji; former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience; and later Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, were among those honoured with the prestigious Grand Commander, Ebonyi Hall of Fame (GCEHF).

Ebonyi State was carved out from Abia and Enugu States by the late Gen. Abacha in 1996.

CDS, Gen. Iraboh in a handshake with Sen. Orji (right).

The award ceremony which took place at the State Ecumenical Centre Abakaliki Thursday night, could pass for a national roll call as eminent personalities from across the country including President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari; and the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, were among those that graced the glamorous ceremony.

In his remarks, Gov. David Umahi, said that the Ebonyi Hall of Fame award was instituted to recognize excellence in service to humanity.

He also said that the maiden edition of the award series was to tell the Ebonyi stories from obscurity to fame.

The Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum commended the awardees for their positive impacts on the state and humanity, urging them not to relevant in their services to humanity.

Later in an interview with Wawa News Global, the elated Senator Orji said the award would spur him to do more for humanity particularly as it came from outside his state

The Abia former Governor popularly known as Ochendo Global, said it was gratifying to note that ones services were being recognized by people far and near.

He commended Gov. Umahi who succeeded him as the Chairman of South for recognizing his services, adding that such recognition will help to promote unity among Ndigbo.

Senator Orji also commended Gov. Umahi for the magnitude of infrastructural development recorded in the state under his watch, describing it as massive.

His words: ” I thank God for Ebonyi people. Their Governor is working hard. He has transformed the state.

” When I came here, I hardly recognized it. The last time I was here, Abakaliki was not like this; everywhere has changed.

” All along I see Ebonyi on television but I have seen the massive infrastructural development today.

” I congratulated the Governor and told him, he has done well!”

Other awardees at the event included: Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Lucky Iraboh; Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba; and former Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika.

Senator Orji exchanging pleasantries with former Deputy Governor of Old Imo State, Chief Francis Orji and wife

Former Governors of Ebonyi State: Chief Martin Elechi; and Senator Sam Egwu were also honoured while posthumous award was given to the late founding father of the state, Akanu Ibiam.

Ex- President Jonathan earlier in the day, laid a foundation for 50,000 capacity Olympic stadium named after Gen. Abacha who was represented at the event by his son

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Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.