It was an unforgettable night of celebration of excellence, hard work and accomplishments of distinguished Nigerians who have made remarkable strides in their respective endeavours and have contributed a great deal to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria.
On top of the list of deserving recipients of awards was the senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Uche Ekwunife, PhD.
The allure and glitz ceremony which was held at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels And Suites V/Island, Lagos state began with red carpet at 7pm and was well attended by the crème de la crème of the society, including the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and former President of the senate of Nigeria, HE Bukola Saraki.
In his welcome remarks, the Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Ltd, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh paid glowing tribute to the 26 awardees for their sterling achievements in their chosen pursuit, describing them as Nigeria’s shining stars. He noted that he was delighted that the organizers of the biggest media event in the country found it worthwhile to recognize a few individuals for their stunning exploits from across the sector of the economy.
Amongst luminaries honoured at the 19th edition of The Sun Awards were the President of the Senate of Nigeria, Ahmad Lawan, PhD, CON; governors of Lagos, Ebonyi, Imo, Bauchi and Borno States , Babajide Sanwo-Olu, David Umahi, Hope Uzodimma, Bala Mohammed and Babagana Zulum; Ministers of Labour and employment and Transportation, Chris Ngige and Chibuike Amaechi; first lady of Abia state, Dr. Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu and wife of the former governor of kwara state cum Senate President, Toyin Saraki.
The Sun Humanitarian Service Icon Award 2021 was yet another recognition for Ekwunife, who is popularly known as the Amazon of the senate for her tremendous effort in giving succour to the downtrodden, widows and less privileged.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Ekwunife who was accompanied to the epoch-making event by her beloved husband, Chief Larry Ekwunife acknowledged that she was proud to be one of the recipients of the awards, dedicating it to her supportive constituents.
“For me the essence of living is to impact positively on the lives of people especially the downtrodden and less privileged and I will continue to spend my time and resources to serve humanity,” the excited federal lawmaker remarked.
While lavishing praises on her husband and children, the Chairman Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation appreciated the Publisher and Management of The Sun for the honour and assured that it would spur her to do more for the socioeconomic development of her zone and beyond.
Speaking further, the Chief servant of the masses who had declared interest to return to the red chamber noted that the trust reposed on her is evident that she is doing excellently well and will not disappoint if given a renewed mandate in 2023.
Earlier, the Methodist Bishop and co-chair of Inter-faith Dialogue Forum, Bishop Sunday Onuoha who was the chairman of the occasion congratulated the winners of different categories of awards, noting that the management of the media outfit has over the years identified Nigerians who have despite adversaries made huge contributions to the development of the country. He said that Africans are the new frontier of growth and Nigerians have what it takes to change the narratives.
Meanwhile, the event was not without entertainment as Nigerian-America singer and songwriter, Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni thrilled the capacity-filled audience at the interesting award ceremony.
Other notable awardees include Media guru, Chief Raymond Dokpesi; Chairman of Chico Group, Chief Benson Madubuko; Chairman/CEO of Climax Lubricant Industries Limited, Emmanuel Iheagwazi; CEO of Vixa Pharmaceuticals, Chief Ebuka Okafor; Managing Director of Golden Guinea Breweries Plc Chief Okey Nzenwa; Charles Mbah; Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Col Sani Bello (retd), Destiny Etiko and Abdul Samad Rabiu.
