The List of Umuaka Times 2023 Awardees.
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The following individuals successfully dropped marvelous achievements on the sand of time in 2023. They are indeed our own Nobel laureates.
Social Achievements.
1. Umuaka Times Man of the Year Award 2023.
Winner: Mazi Iwuaku Iwuchukwu.
JUSTIFICATIONS: Established Umuaka Charity Foundation. Donated N500, 000 takeoff grant for the group. Hired an office for the organization. Employed a secretary for the organization and pays her salaries from his pocket till date. Donated N1m during the launching of the Foundation in Easter 2023. Promised to be donating N1m to the foundation to mark his birthday every year. Rolled out a program to empower 25 Akalites with the sum of N200, 000 each from 2024. Rolled out another program to empower 50 persons interested in yam farming in Umuaka. Total number of youths to be empowered by this program is 100. Mazi Iwuaku Iwuchukwu has appealed to youths across Umuaka to identify with the scheme.
2. Umuaka Times Imo State Royal Father of the Year 2023.
Winner: HRM Eze Justin Uzoma Ezeala.
JUSTIFICATIONS: Attracted solar street light in Obinwanne community via NDDC. Gave reasonable employments to some Akalites. Embarked on tree planting exercise in Obinwanne where he sponsored the planting of hundreds of trees along the streets of Obinwanne Umuaka Autonomous Community. Built some classroom blocks with hall at Unity Primary School Obinwanne. Embarked on property development schemes in Umuaka where he has built about three amazing plazas in Afor Umuaka etc. This year alone, the Obinwanne royal father has called on all the autonomous communities in Umuaka to bring 20 persons each to benefit from his empowerment program. He single handedly built the residence of the Parish Priest at St Patrick’s Catholic Church Obinwanne and donated a car for the priest. He also donated the sum of N5 million to St Mary’s Catholic Church in support of her gospel activities. He championed the launching of the Catholic Church project in Obinwanne where over N100 million was realized.More than N70 million came from his friends. The Obinwanne monarch kick-started an adult education project in Obinwanne where many adults have received western education. The project is ongoing.
3. Umuaka Times Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.
Winner: Dr Obinna Duruji.
JUSTIFICATIONS: For inspiring and building a cross section of intellectuals in Umuaka on several endeavours of life. He has given more scholarships than any other Akalite either living or dead. Obinna Duruji is a high profile personality that is impossible to ignore.
4. Umuaka Times 2023 Medical Doctor of the Year Award.
Winner: Prof. Kingsley Obioha.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of his selfless services in the areas of medical practice to the less privileged.
5. Umuaka Times Outstanding Youths Supporter of the Year Award 2023.
Winner: Chief Benji Iheme.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of his selfless and outstanding role in directing the Ibele youths.
6. Umuaka Times Humanitarian Award 2023.
Winner: Dr Perry Ekwunazu.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of his several humanitarian works across Njaba in the areas of free medical missions and empowerment.
Information Technology.
7. The 2023 Digital CEO of the Year Award:
Winner: John Bosco (Patapata) Meremikwu.
JUSTIFICATIONS: Mr Meremikwu was the first person in Umuaka to provide CCTV on the streets of his community. He also provided other digital devices to strengthen access to worldwide web in Umuaka.
Academic Excellence.
8. Umuaka Times Youngest Female Author of the Year Award.
Winner: Miss Victory Uzoigwe.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of her first novel The Burning Desire.
9.Umuaka Times Academic Excellence Award 2023.
Winner: Miss Jennifer Ifeyinwa Agbahiwe.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of her First Class academic achievement in Food Science and Technology at Federal University of Science and Technology FUTO, Owerri.
10. Umuaka Times Academic Excellence Award 2023.
Winner: Miss Vivian Amarachi Agu.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of her achievement as the first and only Akalite to bag a Master’s Degree in the science of microbiology.
11. Umuaka Times Academic Excellence Award 2023.
Winner: Dr. Desmond Chinaemerem Madu.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of his Doctorate Degree achievement from University of Reno, Nevada USA.
Community Development.
12. Imo State Fastest Developing Autonomous Community of the Year Award 2023.
Winner: Obinwanne Umuaka Autonomous Community.
JUSTIFICATIONS: With regards to the activities of the Obinwanne monarch and some other reforms going on in the community, Umuaka Times findings placed Obinwanne as the fastest developing Autonomous Community in Imo State.
13. Imo State Most Organized and United Autonomous Community Award 2023:
Winner: Obinwanne Umuaka Autonomous community.
JUSTIFICATIONS: Umuaka Times observed that there are not less than 30 organized age grade groups, several community based women organizations etc in Obinwanne working in harmony for the development of the community. The community also has a viable security outfit, effective laws and order and a new orientation for a better Obinwanne.
Business and Economy.
14. Umuaka Times Courageous Business Ambassador of the Year 2023.
Winner: Chief Ikenna Egeolu.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of his path-finding role in business for Akalites living in Mozambique.
Sporting Activities.
15. Umuaka Times Imo State Pillar of Sports Award 2023:
Winner: Comrade Henry Ekene Ibejiuba (Okeosisi).
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of his outstanding contributions in the development of football in NINN communities Imo State.
16. Umuaka Times Most Outstanding Football Club of the Year 2023.
Winner: Father Eburuaja FC.
JUSTIFICATIONS: For winning the Imo State Mock Champions League 2023.
17. Outstanding Football Coach of the Year Award 2023.
Winner: Uche Dike Kenneth.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of his victories with Fr Eburuaja FC.
Posthumous Awards.
18. Umuaka Times Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.
Winner: Professor JOL Ezeala.
JUSTIFICATIONS: in recognition of his outstanding and inspirational activities in Umuaka.
19. Umuaka Times Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.
Winner: Chief Luke Ahanotu.
JUSTIFICATIONS: For setting the pace for post primary school academic education in Umuaka.
20. Umuaka Times Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.
Winner: Mrs Dorothy Amuzie.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of her sound leadership and inspiration for Umuaka women
21. Umuaka Times Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.
Winner: Dame Cathy Odueze.
JUSTIFICATIONS: In recognition of her sound leadership and inspiration for Umuaka women.
22. Umuaka Times Posthumous Selfless Social Service Award 2023.
Winner: Mr Anthony (Bukana) Egenonu.
JUSTFICATIONS: At countless times, assisted helpless bereaved families across Uba Umuaka and always advocated peace and community integration.
