Obinna Duruji receives Umuaka Times Award.
2 min read
Dr Obinna Duruji, the Ohamadike, Onye Isi Oghu, Onye Eze Ikpe and many more honours and titles that dangle on his neck is someone who has demonstrated his love, commitment and capacity building to the entire Umuaka community and beyond. In terms of building the society especially the Umuaka society, Dr Duruji’s involvement cuts across many spheres of life. Dr Duruji has given the highest number of scholarships in Umuaka more than any other Akalite either living or dead.
Currently, over 70 students are on his scholarship program. This year 2024, it is expected than a handful of students will as well join the league of students reading on the scholarship program of Dr Obinna Duruji.
As a former commissioner of education in Imo State, among other things, Duruji was able to attract a 5 million dollar foreign grant in order to improve the quality of education in the state.
Talk about Umuaka born graduates and the campaign for the “democratization” of education in Umuaka, Dr Obinna Duruji has inspired and continues to inspire trailer loads of youths including those older than he, to embrace western education. It was his love for Umuaka affairs that gave birth to the term Akatriotism that is the localization of patriotism in the context of Umuaka.
From the early days of 2023, Umuaka Times has been critically analyzing the role Obinna Duruji has played so far in the society from his university days till date. It is the compilation of these activities and roles that has “graduated” into a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to the prolific writer, unshakable Akatriot, motivator and an activist for new order. Umuaka Times is indeed proud of the inestimable achievements of Obinna Duruji.
The Umuaka Times Award was presented to Dr Duruji on Wednesday 4 February 2024 in his country home in the presence of some selected family members and his in-laws who paid a new year visit to him.
On his acceptance speech, Dr Duruji thanked Umuaka Times and described his feelings as overwhelming. He told Umuaka Times that the award is to the glory of God.
