NIPR Honours Bishop Ezeokafor , others With Excellence Award

The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter on Wednesday, 29 April, 2015
honoured the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor with excellence award for his humanitarian services, purposeful leadership and for his ardent belief in dignity of human labour .
Presenting the award, the institute described the bishop as a man of uncommon character, a selfless pastor, friend of the poor and a cheerful leader whom they said derived joy in making others happy even at the expense of his comfort.
The institute also commended the bishop's love for the non-Oil sector especially agriculture and his various initiatives which geared towards partnering with the Anambra State government in reducing unemployment in the State as well as to ameliorate the plights of the poor, widows, widowers, physically challenged.
Responding Bishop Ezeokafor who was represented by a priest in-charge of the Proposed Peter University, Achina, Aguata Council Area Rev. Fr. Wilfred Eke, thanked the institute for the recognition saying that the diocese would partner the institute in its onerous task of promoting the non oil sector.
The award Presentation which took place in Awka during their 2015 Annual Reputation Summit preceded by swearing-in and inauguration of the 9th Executive members of the institute have Rev. Fr. Cosmas Ebebe, Ph.D, Fnipr as chairman; Ngozi Dora Ulogu, Mnipr as Vice chairman; Dr. Vanatius Agbanu, Mnipr as Secretary; Ifeyinwa Onwubuya as Treasurer; Dr. Ozioma Nwankwo, Anipr as Financial Secretary; Rev. Fr. Prof. BAC Obiefuna, Mnipr as Ex-Officio and Peter Utazzi, Mnipr as Ex-Officio. The swearing-in ceremony was carried out by the State Chief Judge, Justice Peter N.C. Umeadi.
Delivering his address of welcome, the newly sworn-in chairman, Rev. Fr. Cosmos Ebebe said the objectives of the institute was to build a credible and dynamic professional institution with efficient and responsive structures that would encourage advocacy and initiatives relevant to society.
He noted that the essence of the summit was to discuss Capacity Building for a Sustainable Non Oil Economy as advocacy for viable and vibrant economy based on agriculture, other mineral resources, tourism and other forms of human engagement with economic values.
Rev. Fr. Ebebe who was a Fellow of the institute, said the institute was also using the occasion to present award of excellence to distinguished captains of institutions and organization noting that they accorded honour to them for their achievements and continuing good works in their areas of specialization and competence .
He urged them to carry on the advocacy for the non-oil sector of Nigerian economy to their organizations and beyond even as he said with the presence of oil, the nation needs other economic resources to put balance to Nigeria's economy.
Fr. Ebebe, further said the institute would also promote professional excellence through members upholding the Code of Ethics and a system of life long learning as well as gaining stakeholders commitment to professional standard .
He said their major objective was to encourage a more reputation sensitive society and to generate appropriate associations that would sustain focus on the contributions of stakeholders in different sectors to respect the dignity of every person in Nigeria.
Declaring the event open, Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State represented by the state commissioner for information, culture and tourism, Chief Tony Onyima commended the institute for their clear-cut plan in reputation management and image making Gov. Obiano while commending them urged the institute to join the government in projecting and protecting it reputation and image .
The occasion was chaired by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna (HOD Mass Comm Dept Unizik and Director Unizik Fm, Awka)
In her vote of thanks, the chairman of events committee, Ngozi Dora Ulogu thanked all those who graced the occasion more especially the public spirited individuals who supported the awardees in donating to the institute even as she prayed God to replenish their pockets.
Others who received the excellence award included  Most Revd. Christian Ogochukwu Efobi ,JP (Dean, Church of Nigeria, Archbishop of Niger Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Aguata Diocese); Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku (Vice Chancellor NAU);  Hon. Sir Nnamdi Mekoh ( Commissioner for Agriculture, Anambra State); Olisah Nzemeka Emmanuel (Chairman, ASUBEB); Mr. Uche Nworah( Managing Director/ CEO Anambra Broadcasting Service ABS, Awka) and Dr. Nneka Cecilia Mefoh ( Ag. Provost, Anambra State College of Agriculture, Mgbakwu)
Highpoints of the occasion was award presentations, speeches, responses, entertainment, National Anthem- by the Tansi International College Band .