Sen Andy Uba's day of Honour

Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos, was agog recently. Dig­nitaries, including politicians, captains of industries, chief executive officers of corporate organisa­tions and the political class thronged the popular restaurant.

They came to cel­ebrate the Senator representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, Senator Andy Ubah who was being honoured by Ndigboamaka, a group comprising emi­nent Igbo individuals in Lagos. Ubah was being honoured for his outstanding con­tributions in the Senate and his unparallel commitment to the Igbo cause.

There was a lot to eat and drink, with background music which made many guests to temporarily forget their homes.

In his speech, Transforming Nigeria: Building A Safe, Peaceful, Strong and Prosperous Nation, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed expressed gratitude to Ndigbo for their strategic contributions to the development of the FCT and the transformation programme of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The minister said Abuja under his leadership had become the Land of Unity, and noted that every necessary measure had been in place to ensure the security of lives and property in the capital territory, even as he admitted some challenges.

The National Coordinator of the association, Nze Osuokwu, noted that the day was historic in the life of the association. “It was set aside to recognize and honour a special man who has made our nation, humanity and indeed Ndigbo proud. Today, we honour him for uplifting our dear country, Nigeria, the Igbo nation and humanity at large.”

On his own part, the president, Bro Leonard Ogbonna, said the association was an umbrella body of all the 58 major market associations and Igbo professionals in Lagos. According to him, the association had a membership strength of over 4.5 million Igbo in Lagos spread all over the state in the various markets, industries and offices.

In his response, Senator Ubah said the honour and award not only humbled him, but it would make him work more towards uplifting the cause of Ndigbo and the cause of Nigeria.

The climax of the event was the unveiling of patrons of the group. They include Chief Patrick Chidolue, Chief Benson Abalaogu, Chief James Uduji, Chief Dan Chukwudozie and Chief Fabian Nwoarh.

At the event were eminent Igbo personalities, including the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Garry Enwo-Igariwey; President, South East/ South South Professionals, Emeka Ugwu-Oju; President, Ohanaeze Lagos, Chief Fabian Onwughalu; Hyacinth Nwabueze Ohazulike, Eze Igbo, Lagos and many others.