By Sarah Ezeh
Calls for increased investment in human capital, entrepreneurship and innovation dominated the fifth edition of the Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards, where distinguished Nigerians, corporate leaders, academics, public officials and institutions were recognised for their contributions to societal development.
The ceremony, held at the Stanel Dome World Complex, Awka, with the theme, “Unstoppable Anambra: Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact,” attracted government officials, captains of industry, traditional rulers, religious leaders, professionals, diplomats and members of the business community.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of the inaugural Anambra Person of the Decade Award on the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, in recognition of his decades of service in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, humanitarian activities and human capital development.
Presenting the award, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Joe Ezigbo, described Archbishop Okeke as an exceptional leader whose impact had transcended generations, adding that the honour was unprecedented in the history of the awards.
The Chairman of the AMTY Board of Trustees, Prof. (Rev. Sr.) Eugenia Adaoma Igwedibia, also commended the Archbishop’s contributions to evangelisation, education, social transformation, pastoral charity and prison apostolate, describing him as a worthy recipient of the prestigious recognition.
Receiving the award, Archbishop Okeke dedicated the honour to the youths of Anambra State and Nigeria, pledging to continue his humanitarian and developmental efforts.
“My prayer is for the welfare of our people, especially the young ones. Things are difficult and challenging, but God has not abandoned us. I will continue to pray and work until we see a better tomorrow,” he said.
The organisers also highlighted the establishment of Shanahan University, Onitsha, as one of Archbishop Okeke’s landmark achievements in expanding access to quality education and developing future leaders.
Delivering the keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, said Anambra possessed the human capital required to become one of Africa’s leading innovation and enterprise hubs if it sustained strategic investment in education, research, entrepreneurship and technology.
He called for stronger partnerships among government, universities, industries, the private sector and the diaspora, stressing that higher institutions must evolve beyond degree-awarding centres into hubs of innovation, wealth creation and economic transformation.
The co-founder of AMTY and Managing Director of TourNigeria Communications, Chief Chikezie Chiedu, said the awards, established in 2020, had become a major platform for recognising excellence, integrity and impactful leadership.
Chiedu said the initiative was created to promote merit, responsible leadership and excellence while encouraging accomplished Anambra indigenes to deploy their expertise, experience and resources towards the development of the state.
He maintained that the awards had retained public confidence through a transparent and merit-based selection process, insisting that honours were not influenced by financial considerations.
“Our vision is to celebrate exceptional Ndi Anambra whose achievements have positively impacted society while encouraging others to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” he said.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of a Lifetime Achievement Award on Nigeria’s first female Professor of Mass Communication and the first in Sub-Saharan Africa, Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, for her pioneering contributions to journalism, media scholarship, education and mentorship.
Among other award recipients, Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, received the Woman of the Year Award, while Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd., High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, emerged Business Icon of the Year.
Member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Obiageli Lilian Orogbu, was honoured as Legislator of the Year, while Chairman of Zobis Group, Chief John Ezeobi, received the Manufacturer of the Year Award.
Other awardees included Prof. Joy Ezeilo, SAN (Lifetime Achievement Award); Prof. Ngozi Egbuna (Academic of the Year); Tobechukwu Okigbo and Chidi Obinna Ufudo (Corporate Person of the Year); Ken Erics Ugo (Best Artiste of the Year); Mr. Miracle Orabueze (Music Icon of the Year); Archbishop Onyeka Nzekwesi (Real Estate Icon of the Year); Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie (Public Servant of the Year); Kanayo Eni-Ikeh (CEO of the Year); Chief Christian Okonkwo (Entrepreneur of the Year); Felix Obika (Logistics Person of the Year); Chikezie Daniel Obimma (Rising Star of the Year); and Prof. Beze Adam Awogu (Diaspora Person of the Year).
Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji, and St. John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu, were recognised as Anambra’s best public and private secondary schools respectively, while Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ositadimma Anochilionye emerged School Administrator of the Year.
Speaking after receiving the Real Estate Icon of the Year Award, the Chief Executive Officer of Pineleaf Estate and Properties Ltd., Archbishop Onyeka Nzekwesi, pledged to intensify efforts towards reducing the housing deficit in the South-East and South-South through the development of affordable residential and commercial estates.
Similarly, Chief John Ezeobi disclosed that his company was developing a new industrial city in Anambra projected to create over 22,000 jobs and strengthen local manufacturing. He called for policies that would encourage domestic production and reduce dependence on imports.
The ceremony ended with renewed calls for sustained investment in education, innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development, with participants emphasising that empowering people remained the surest path to inclusive economic growth and global competitiveness.
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