The Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation (IHIF) has unveiled its Global Igbo Icons Award and released the list of nominees for the maiden edition of what it described as the most prestigious Igbo award.
In a press release signed by its National Coordinator, Hon. Chinedu Nsofor, the Foundation said the award is designed to recognise distinguished Igbo personalities whose achievements have made impact in business, industry, governance, education, professional practice and community development.
The award is themed: “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring the Next Generation, and Advancing the Development of Igbo Land.”
According to the Foundation, the initiative goes beyond ceremonial recognition to serve as a platform for documenting the stories of accomplished Igbo personalities, promoting Igbo-owned enterprises and encouraging knowledge transfer and mentorship to younger generations.
It said the award also seeks to highlight the role of Igbo entrepreneurs and industrialists in employment generation, skills development, innovation, economic growth and community empowerment.
The Foundation noted that the achievements of the nominees will be publicised in at least 25 national and international media houses to provide practical examples of enterprise, perseverance and leadership for youths.
Those penciled down for the award are: Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha,Prince Arthur Eze , Chairman, Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Sir Emeka Offor ,Chairman, Chrome Group ,Dr. ABC Orjiako , Co-Founder, Seplat Energy, Chief Innocent Chukwuma , Chairman, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Chief Cletus Ibeto , Chairman, Ibeto Group, Chief Cosmos Maduka , Chairman, Coscharis Group, Chief Dr. Dan Chukwudozie , Chairman, Dozzy Group ,Lady Ada Chukwudozie , Chairman, Keystone Bank and Engr. Emeka Okwuosa , Chairman, Oilser.
Other awardees are : Chief Chika Okafor ,Chairman, Chicason Group , Leostan Eke,Chairman, Zenox Group, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu , Chairman, Stanel Group,Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala , Director-General, World Trade Organization, Chief Allen Onyema , Chairman, Air Peace,Dr. Stella Okoli , Founder and CEO, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji ,Founder, Geometric Power,Chief Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi , Chairman, Nestoil/Obijackson Group and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo , Executive Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines .
Dr. Ernest Ndukwe , Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah – Founder, Masters Energy, Prince Chris Igwe, OFR – Chairman, Mainland Oil and Gas, Dr. Maduka Onyishi ,CEO, Peace Mass Transit; Chancellor, Maduka University, Chief Michael Duru Ejiogu ,Chairman, City Gate Homes, Mr. Frank Nneji , Founder and CEO, ABC Transport Plc .
The Foundation said the award reflects its mission of celebrating achievers, preserving their legacies and inspiring the next generation of Igbo leaders.
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