By Prisca Nguzo
In celebration of the golden jubilee anniversary of Imo State, the state government led by Sen. Hope Uzodinma has shortlisted 50 personalities including past governors of the state, captains of industry, nollywood and football stars, among others for special honours.
The recipients, in a release signed by the Chairman, Imo at 50 Central Planning Committee and Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu and availed to newsmen on Thursday, are Late Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe, first democratic elected governor of the state, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, Prof. Maurice Iwu, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, H.R.H. Eze Godwin Osuji, Mr. Ernest Ebi, MFR, Chief (Dr.) John Enyiogasi, Sir Mike Okiro, IGP (rtd.), Rev. Fr. Prof. Emeka Emeakaroha, Dr. Walter Ofonagoro and His Grace, The Most Rev. Anthony Valentine Obinna (Archbishop Emeritus, Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri).
Others are Hon. Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme Ph.D, JSC, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Emeka Kanu Uche, JP (Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church of Nigeria), His Grace, The Most Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba (Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Sir Christogonus Ezebuiro Obinna (Sir Warrior), Mr. Anayo Modestus Kanayo (Kanayo O. Kanayo), Ms. Genevieve Nnaji, Mrs. Rita Dominic-Anosike, Mr. Dan Satch Opara-Godwin (Kabaka), Dr. Sylvester Ugoh, and the Super Falcon goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
While former governors of the state, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd), Cmdre. James Aneke (rtd), Chief Achike Udenwa, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Senator Rochas Anayo Okorocha, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha also made the list for the honours.
Those on the posthumous list are Prof. Michael J. C. Echeruo, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Admiral Adekunle Lawal, Brig. Gen. Sunday Adenihun, Cmdre. Amadi Ikwechegh, Cmdre. Anthony Oguguo, Chief Evan Enwerem, Col. Tanko Zubairu, Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, JSC, Chief Emmanuel C. Iwuanyanwu, CFR and Hon. Justice Ignatius Chukwudi Pats Acholonu JSC, CON.
Also on the posthumous list are Sen. Arthur Nzeribe, Dr. Benjamin Uzoukwu Nzeribe, Prof. George Obiozor, Dr. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe (K.O. Mbadiwe), Chief Sir John Richard Anyaehie, H.R.H. Eze Pius Agwaramgbo, Chief Collins Obih, Chief Pascal Dozie, Chief Willie Anumudu, Nze Dr. Clement Maduako, MFR, Chief Emma Osigwe Nwogu, H.R.H. Eze Zeb Philips Nwosu, Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu, Dr. Basil Nnanna Ukaegbu, H.R.H. Eze Ben Obi, Mrs Maria Egu, and Flora Nwapa.
Iwu said the recipients were honoured in recognition of their exceptional service, enduring legacy, and outstanding contributions to the growth, development, culture, governance, and global image of Imo State.
He said, "The honours, instituted as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of Imo State, celebrate both living legends and revered departed heroes whose lives and works have helped shape the destiny of the State across generations.
"These honours reflect the gratitude of a people and the resolve of the Imo State Government to immortalise excellence, sacrifice and service."
The hounors were categorized into four, namely Golden Star Governor of Imo State, (GSGI), Grand Service Star of Imo State, (GSSI), Distinguished Star of Imo State, (DSI); Art & Culture Star of Imo State, (ACSI), Star of Innovation Award, (SIA) and Star of Youth Leadership, (SYL).
