Media Professionals Award- Prof Oparaoji Expresses Gratitude and Humility.
Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria, December 28, 2020: Recently, during a Public Lecture and Award program at the Paragon Hotel Eke Nguru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, a non-governmental organization, the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals (FMMP), recognized over a dozen Mbaise citizens, “for their outstanding contributions to the development of Mbaise nation” .
Among those honored were Professor Eddie Oparaoji, Chairman Mbaise Policy Roundtable (MPR)- US based Pharmaceutical Executive and Human Rights Activist, Rt Revd Chamberlain Ogunedo JP- Bishop Anglican Diocese Of Mbaise, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha- former Governor of Imo State, Arc. Chukwunyere Ikwu- Global Admin Ikoro Mbaise Global Forum and others. Professor Oparaoji received the “Philanthropist Par Excellence” award.
The very well organized program, and the caliber of award recipients have generated positive reviews for FMMP, and elicited an avalanche of support, mostly from MPR members, evidenced by the volumes of congratulatory messages for Professor Oparaoji, reflected in the award’s program brochure. In their congratulatory messages, leaders of MPR, reflected the tone and sentiments of messages from MPR members.
Dr Law Osondu, MPR Chief of Public and Government Relations, and President Emeritus of Mbaise- USA wrote, “I am excited to congratulate Professor Edward Oparaoji , a distinguished son of Mbaise and an accomplished administrator and pharmacist by profession on this auspicious occasion of his receipt of an award of “Philanthropist per Excellence” from the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals.”.
“I am excited because this award could not have come at a better time when one recalls Professor Oparaoji’s relentless sacrifices to the upliftment of the Mbaise nation and the deepening of democratic norms and values in Imo State and Nigeria.”
“Professor Oparaoji has spent time and resources helping the less privileged by developing institutions that can feed the poor and provide scholarship for our sons and daughters to pursue university education. I am also commending this great organization for painstakingly fishing out a great mind and great patriot like Professor Oparaoji.”
“To recognize him is to give honor to whom honor is due. His contributions to affairs of Mbaise nation is unrivaled. He deserves to be celebrated. His role in the support and ascendancy of our brother, the former governor, is note worthy. Where ever there is humanitarian endeavor, that where you find him. He is part and parcel of many humanitarian efforts, like Onwuliri Memorial Scholarship funds, Mbaise Leadership Forum and Mbaise Policy Roundtable.”
“He was at some point concerned about the image of Mbaise outside our Land and the subdued economic activities of the area. He was at the forefront in supporting activities and events that has given Mbaise a breathing space. If there is a man called Mr Mbaise, that man should be Prof Eddie Oparaoji”
The MPR Executive Secretary and Legal Adviser, Atty. Paschal Ukpabi, Esq., wrote, “I Paschal Ukpabi, Esq., congratulate Professor Edward Oparaoji, on this distinguished award from the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals. For some of us who are close to Professor Oparaoji, this award has not come to us as a surprise. Here is a man who has dedicated his life to the struggle for justice in our land, when there is so much work to be done and very few honest workers for the task. Congrats, Prof.”
Another MPR leader, Dr. Jude Iheoma, Chief Program Director wrote, “My wife and I congratulate Professor Edward Oparaoji, for a well deserved award of Philanthropist Par Excellence” and applaud the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals (FMMP), for this award and for your great work promoting Mbaise Values.”
Other appreciative MPR members who expressed their endorsement of FMMP.s mission and the recognition of Professor Oparaoji, are; Chief Ejike Enwereuzor, Chief Joachim Nwogu, Chief Austin C. Onwubiko, Mr. Longinus Nnodim, Theo Okonkwo/Mbaise Arena, Professor Jeff Ohanaja, Dr & Mrs Jerome Njoku, Engr. Aguiyi Nwachukwu, Mr Tony Asoluka Emeribe, Mr Goddy Okoro, Engr. George & Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Nwigwe, Hon. Uche Agomuo, Chief/Dr Emma Hamilton Onyekwere, Dr Vitalis Ojiegbe, Dr Collins Ugochukwu, Dr & Mrs Chris Emeka Onwukwe, Chief/Dr Peter Onu, Hon. Uche Bonny Life Ndu, BK Nworgu, Dr’ Ken Akwuole, Mr and Mrs Leo Okoro and others.
Reacting to the outpour of congratulatory messages Professor Oparaoji said, “I am truly grateful and humbled by the award and the deluge of congratulatory messages that have greeted it. I am a firm believer that recognition is sweetest served local, by those who know you. Thank you FMMP, thank you MPR, and long live Mbaise Nation”.
Earlier, in a statement credited to the Chairman, Planning Committee of the event, Hon Comrade Eze Adiuku, he said the event is a wake up call to remind Mbaise people that they still have men and women that can make the place greater than what it is. He revealed that achievements of many Mbaise personalities deserve commendation and that is why they are being honored, and that the event will be done annually.
Other honorees include. ESV Grace Uloaku Ekwuruibe, Amb Stanley Frednand, Nollywood star Betty Ijeoma Fidelis, High Chief Dr Summers Nwokie, Engr Gerald Osuagwu, Amb Chris Ibe, Engr Chimezie Adiuku, Lolo Chinyere Onyeise, Chief Dr & Chief Mrs Joseph Obi, Arc Chuks Ikwu, Chief Cletus Ogbonna, Chief Chuks Chilaka, Chief Jimmy Imo, Chief Bob Omyemaechi, Rev Fr Magnus Ebere and Dr Marcelli Oguh.
MPR 