By PETRUS OBI
The Imo State Government has announced that the late traditional ruler, Eze Ben Obi, of Ubulu Ihejiofor,Oru West LGA, alongside several other distinguished personalities, will be honoured tomorrow as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee (Imo @ 50) celebrations.
This follows the approval by Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, for the conferment of Imo State @ 50 Star Honours on eminent sons and daughters of the state, both living and deceased, in recognition of their exceptional service and lasting contributions to the development and global image of Imo State.
According to the Special Announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the honours are designed to celebrate excellence, sacrifice, innovation, leadership, and cultural heritage across generations.
Late Eze Ben Obi was listed among the posthumous recipients of the Star of Innovation Award (SIA), an honour reserved for individuals whose groundbreaking ideas, research, technological advancement, or philanthropic impact contributed significantly to societal progress. Others in the same posthumous category include Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu, renowned for indigenous automobile innovation, Dr. Basil Nnanna Ukaegbu, and Mrs. Maria Egu.
The event will also witness the conferment of honours on other late icons across different categories, including former governors, military officers, jurists, business leaders, cultural figures, and traditional rulers whose legacies helped shape Imo State.
The Imo State Government said the awards ceremony underscores its resolve to immortalise those who distinguished themselves in service to humanity and to inspire present and future generations to uphold values of excellence and selfless leadership.
The conferment ceremony is scheduled to take place tomorrow as one of the highlights of the Imo @ 50 celebrations.
Full list of awardeesÂ
A) Golden Star Governor of Imo State
(GSGI)
Reserved for serving or former Governors who extraordinarily distinguished themselves in service to Imo State
H.E. Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe (Posthumous)
H.E. Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON
B) Grand Service Star of Imo State
(GSSI)
For exceptional service and contribution to the growth and development of Imo State
H.E Major-General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu (rtd)
H.E. Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd)
H.E. Cmdre. James Aneke (rtd)
H.E. Chief Achike Udenwa
H.E. Chief Ikedi Ohakim
H.E. Senator Rochas Anayo Okorocha
H.E. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha
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)
Posthumous:
H.E. Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu
H.E. Admiral Adekunle Lawal
H.E. Brig. Gen. Sunday Adenihun
H.E. Cmdre. Amadi Ikwechegh
H.E. Cmdre. Anthony Oguguo
H.E. Chief Evan Enwerem
H. E. Col. Tanko Zubairu
Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, JSC
Chief Emmanuel C. Iwuanyanwu, CFR
Hon. Justice Ignatius Chukwudi Pats Acholonu JSC, CON
C) Distinguished Star of Imo State
(DSI)
For sustained impact in economic development, infrastructure, trade and investment
Prof. Michael J. C. Echeruo
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
Posthumous:
Senator 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
D) Art & Culture Star of Imo State
(ACSI)
For outstanding contributions to the arts, culture, heritage and social cohesion of Imo State
His Grace, The Most Rev. Anthony Valentine Obinna (Archbishop Emeritus, Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri)
Sir Christogonus Ezebuiro Obinna (Sir Warrior)
Mr. Anayo Modestus Kanayo (Kanayo O. Kanayo)
Ms. Genevieve Nnaji
Ms. Rita Dominic-Anosike
Mr. Dan Satch Opara-Godwin (Kabaka)
Posthumous:
Flora Nwapa
E) Star of Innovation Award
(SIA)
For breakthrough ideas, projects and impact in technology, research, development or philanthropy
Dr. Sylvester Ugoh
Posthumous:
Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu
Dr. Basil Nnanna Ukaegbu
H.R.H. Eze Ben Obi
Mrs Maria Egu
F) Star of Youth Leadership
(SYL)
Chiamaka Nnadozie
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