By Senator Jerry,
LAGOS– Former Secretary of the Delta State Government, Comrade Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay were among other prominent Deltans, and eminent personalities and five companies honoured at the 12th edition of the annual Independent Awards.
Macaulay was bestowed with the State Public Servant of the Year award, in the event which was held over the weekend at the prestigious Convention Centre of Eko Hotel & Suit, Lagos and was chaired by Prof Samuel Aghalino.
Speaking after receiving his award, Comrade Ovouzorie Macaulay, said, “I dedicate this Award to the masses and the indigent people of Delta State whom I served. This award came as a surprise to me.
“For me the essence of this Award is that one is recognised. It means that while you are doing your work, some people are quietly monitoring you to know if you are doing well or not.
“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 for me, its means a lot to me. It provokes me to want to do more for humanity.”
Earlier, the Managing Director, Independent Newspaper Limited, Steve Omanufeme, in his opening remarks, said, “It is with pleasure I welcome you to the 12th edition of our annual awards, the Independent Annual Awards 2022.
“This year’s award focuses on people with exceptional performance in their chosen profession and walks of life. That’s why it is themed: Celebrating Nigeria’s Best.
“So today we are here to celebrate you for your services to Nigeria, our Country, in your chosen fields. Indeed, you all have a rich resume of achievement worthy of emulation.
“These awards are just a token of our appreciation of your rich achievements and fervently pray they motivate you to greater heights.”
Those honoured alongside 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.
