By Godwin Edafe
A former Secretary for Delta State Government (SSG), Comrade (Chief), Ovuozourie Macaulay , other prominent Deltans and five companies have been told they needed to be honoured for serving the country meritoriously as they were honoured at the 12th edition of the Annual Independent Awards.
Macaulay was bestowed with the State Public Servant of the Year Award along with others in the event which was held over the weekend at the prestigious Convention Centre of Eko Hotel & Suit, Lagos which was chaired by Prof Samuel Aghalino.
In a his speech after receiving the award, Comrade Macaulay said he dedicated the award to the masses and the entire Deltans he served over the years adding, as the award came to him as a surprise.
He said: “I dedicate this Award to the masses and the people of Delta State whom I served, this award came as a surprise to me”.
He said to him, the essence of the Award is to recognize one adding it shows while one is at work, some people are quietly monitoring one to know if one is does well or not.
He said:”For this Award, I didn’t bargain for it and I didn’t even expect it. It came naturally just the way God has always blessed me without asking for positions. So, its means a lot to me, and It will provoke me to do more for humanity.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Managing Director, Independent Newspaper Limited, Steve Omanufeme, said, It is with pleasure he welcomed everybody to the 12th edition of our annual awards, the Independent Annual Awards of 2022. He said this year’s award focused on people with exceptional performance in their chosen profession and walks of life, adding, this is the reason it is titled “Celebrating Nigeria’s Best”
According to him, they are celebrating him for the day because of his services to Nigeria, in his chosen field saying he has indeed he has rich achievement worthy of emulation.
He said:”These awards are just a token of our appreciation of your rich achievements and fervently pray they motivate you to greater heights.”
Those so honoured with Comrade Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay are; Austin Izagbo, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Princess Toyin Kolade, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, HRM Oba Ewuare II, Mr Femi Otedola, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd).
Others are Princess Toyin Kolade, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu, Dr. Dorry Afe Okojie, Mr Muhammad Mamman Nami, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Adetola Abdullateef Adedimeji, Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh, Chief James Ume, Hon Francis Bartholomew Chima, Prof. (Mrs.) Benedicta Egbo, and Revd. Canon Prof. Benjamin Chuka Osisioma.
The companies honoured by Independent Award are Geregu Power PLC, Globacom Limited, United Nigeria Airlines Limited, Standard Chartered Bank Ltd, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Universal Insurance PLC, and Conference of Civil Society of Nigeria.