It was an epoch making event at Awka when Dr. Godwin Maduka was decorated the Anambra Man of the Year, 2020. The event which was massively attended by the public and dignitaries was the first of its kind in the State. Dr. Maduka was selected for his invaluable contributions to the society.

Maduka while thanking the organizers, said he was humbled by the award and was inspired and prepared to do more for the people of Anambra State. Dr. Maduka, visibly elated commended the organizers of the award and reiterated the importance of celebrating heroes in the society which he believed would in turn spur the coming generations to work harder to be like these heroes. He enjoined Anambrarians to begin to think home as a matter of urgency and urged everyone present to contribute the best they could to promote the good image of the state.

Other award recipients were Engr. Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo, the first female Rector of federal Polytechnic ,Oko who bagged award as Anambra Woman of the year for being an inspiration to other women through outstanding scholarship and effective administration. Sir Mallinson Ukatu won the businessman/industrialist of the year for showing exemplary integrity in entrepreneurship and for job creation.

H.E Eze Amb. Jerome Ezeneche, Eze Ndigbo in Asia received award as the diaspora man of the year for being a rallying figure, a true ambassador and defender of what is best for Ndigbo in Asia.

Other award categories were Banker of the Year, which went to Lady Princess Nkiru Okolo, the Regional manager of Zenith bank, Anambra state who has won for 4 consecutive times Jim Ovia award for high performance. Others include, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (Enyioha ) selected for his consistency and unwavering loyalty to party supremacy and ideology since 1999.

Public servant of the year went to DIG Celestine Okoye for being instrumental to the birthing of Anambra Zone 13 police headquarters, while Amb. Elijah Onyeagba, Nigeria’s youngest ambassador and a high flyer was decorated with Anambra Rising Star Award, for exemplary leadership at a young age.

Lifetime Achievement Award went to Hon. Justice Nkem Amelia Izuako, a former judge of United Nations Dispute Tribunal for showing at the global stage that Nigerian Judges can be professional and incorrupt. Lady Ann Chika Chukwuneke, an industrialist of about 50 years also received lifetime achievement award.

CSP Garba of #Endsars fame and DPO of Fegge police station won the Anambra Hero of the Year for demonstrating that police can truly be the friend of the public.

Uche Onwuamaegbu, the Anambra STEM pioneer, Ekenedilichukwu Igwe, the feather plucking machine inventor and Amarachi Okafor, the female painter received award as Anambra innovator of the year, Young innovator of the year and most inspiring woman of the year respectively, while Ada Obinna Edozie Esq, Engr. Eloka Ejeh and Evang. Ikenna Anakor received award as Anambra legal person of the year, oil and gas person of the year and humanitarian person of the year.

Dr. Ethel Obiakor and Chief Ifeanyi Orakwue of Radio Sapientia received award as media persons of the year, while Lady Uju Dike, the proprietress of Anambra’s most rated private school, British Spring College and Springfield School won the best school proprietors award.

Mr. Emeka Asoanya, Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government, won the award as the most innovative local government council chairman. Edekobi Jude Anayo (Ichoku Agulu) was given award for promoting Igbo language through entertainment.

Brands that won award at the event include Fadaella oatmilk Biscuit, Skinno Brands (Doors), Dozzy Group, ANIDS Ben-Flo Motors while Anambra’s First lady’s Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) won the award as the best NGO and Ikenga Ndi Igbo Gburugburu Worldwide Initiative won the award as the best Club/Association of the year.

The event was attended by dignitaries. See more photos below –