Festus Keyamo, Delta commissioner bag ‘outstanding achievement’ award [PHOTOS]

The Uvwie General Improvement Union held its grand send-forth reception in Lagos on Sunday, with the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, Commissioner for Economic Planning, and chairman of the state CARES steering committee, Sony Ekedayen, taking home honorary awards.

The award, a significant recognition, which was presented to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who was represented by Chief Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) celebrates the illustrious members of the Uvwie kingdom who are serving in National and State offices across the country. 

The president general of the Uvwie General Improvement Union, Lagos branch, Chief Mrs Alice Ighomrore, explained the reason for initiating the award ceremony.

According to Mrs Ighomrore, the ceremony was to celebrate Uvwie kingdom members who are making the union proud by serving wholeheartedly in various offices from the state to the National level.

She said, “I am delighted that the award ceremony, which is aimed to celebrate our members serving in various offices from state to National level, was a success; when we were planning the event, I did not know it would be like this. I was appointed some months ago, and this is one of the first assignments my leadership set out to execute. I immediately set up a committee that oversaw the planning and enlisting of befitting members, and by the grace, you can see how well the ceremony turned out.” 

The ceremony was attended by members of the Uvwie General Improvement Union, including the Oviemo of Uvwie kingdom and President-General of Uvwie General Improvement Union worldwide (UGIU), Chief Hope Erute, Chief Mrs Alice Ighomrore, President general Uvwie Lagos branch, Chief, captain Christopher Najomo and representative of Festus Keyemo Hon, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace development; Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sony Ekedayen, the immediate past president general Uvwie Lagos branch, Chief Edward Otomiewo, Chief Prof Joseph Abugu (SAN), Elder Tony Agbamu, and lastly veteran Nollywood actor, Nobert young. 

The immediate past president of the Uvwie Lagos branch, one of the honorees, Edward Otomiewo, expressed excitement over the award, he said; “I feel thrilled and great. This has never happened in the union before, all those who served and have left were not honoured as i and others who were honoured today. The people i took over from, did not get a send-forth party when they left. The union was almost dead as we were only just five persons remaining, but we were able to encourage our people, thus bringing about the union’s growth. You can see the result today. I am happy that prominent Uvwie sons and daughters are recognized as they join and identify with the union.”

Speaking of his experience as former president general of the union, Otomeiewo emphasized that loving one’s culture is the only way to preserve a person’s identity. He further encouraged the people of the Uvwie kingdom to teach their children the kingdom’s traditions, as it is a crucial part of maintaining the community’s unique identity and values.

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