The Ibusa Youths Association of Delta State,Port-Harcourt branch has honoured the Deputy National President (DNP) of NAWOJ, Dr. Lilian Okonkwo – Ogabu with an Award of Excellence.
The award which was in recognition of her contributions towards the development of Ibusa town was presented during the Ibusa New Yam Festival celebration held at Isiokpo Street D-Line in Port Harcourt.
Receiving the award, Dr. Lilian Okonkwo expressed joy and profound gratitude to God for the honour done her by the Ibusa Youths where she is married to, adding that her joy knew no bounds as the award is given to her by the people she loves.
She informed that the recognition will inspire her to be more committed to the affairs of the people and thanked them for finding her worthy of the honour.
Dr. Lilian however commended Ibusa Youths for the laudable initiative in promoting African culture which is the new yam festival celebration, and dedicated the award to God, her husband and the entire family.
In his speech, the General Manager of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Ernest Chinwo described Dr. Lilian Okonkwo as a woman who is endowed with natural wisdom and committed to the service of God and humanity.
He said the award was an expression of the volume of her numerous achievements both in education and selfless service to the society.
According to him, it was a thing worth celebrating as Rivers born daughter who is married to a Delta man is recognized by the people through her commitments in the development of Ibusa and the Nation at large which has earned her a chieftaincy tittle and award by the Ibusa people.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ogbuefi Anthony Nnabuife, and the President, Ibusa Youths Association Port Harcourt chapter, Ajuku Gabriel and others who spoke during the occasion said the new yam festival was an annual celebration in Ibusa and a period to show love to one another, foster peace among the neighborhood and appreciate God for fruitful harvest season.
According to them, the purpose of the celebration was to create awareness and inculcate in the younger generation the importance of culture in the development of the society.
High points of the event were cutting of the new yam, award presentation to some dignitaries and dance.
