Anambra State Government at the weekend honoured some of its illustrious sons and daughters; state icons, past and present leaders, industrialists and prominent Anambra indigenes in all works of life, who have distinguished themselves in the service of the State and nation at large.
Chris Oranu Chidume, a foremost industrialist and group managing director of Krisoral Group of Companies, one of the recipients of the “Philanthropists Extraordinaire and Business Titans award”, was recognised by Governor Willie Obiano, for his business acumen and humanitarian activities.
The event, which culminated the silver jubilee celebration of the State-Anambra at 25, no doubt, is a confirmation of Chidume’s invaluable contribution to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
The quintessential entrepreneur, who turned 50 in November, 2016 has continued to receive accolade for his ingenuity, which has steered firms under Krisoral Group of Companies, despite all odds.
Recall that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in his recent tour of ultra-modern facilities of factories, under Krisoral Group of Companies, applauded the entrepreneurial capabilities of the management and staff of Krisoral Group of Companies that has kept them in business, despite the economic recession in the country.
In the words of the Vice President, “Let me say how pleased I am to be here to see the sheer enterprise that is going on in this place, the business acumen, the entrepreneurial skills that we have seen, has become very clear that this is truly the hot-bed of industrialization in Nigeria and I am very pleased to see all of these.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achiebe (Agbogidi) also during one of his visits to the firm, hailed the ingenuity of the management and staff of Krisoral Group of Companies, for their invaluable contributions to the development of Onitsha town in particular and Nigeria in general.
At the Anambra at 25 ceremony, Governor Obianor in his address described Ndi-Anambra as one of the best in the country, who have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria.
He observed that Anambra indigenes are industrious and have supported Nigeria’s growth, noting that the award was instituted to honour indigenes of the State that merited it, irrespective of political, religious or traditional affiliations.
He urged the people of Anambra State to join hands with his administration to bring the hopes and wishes of the people to fulfillment.
“I urge you to bring your dreams home, I urge you to bring your naira and dollar home. Though we have only 4,844 square meters of land, Anambra State is big enough for everyone, no matter the size of our dreams”.
Chidume, who was visibly excited with the recognition bestowed on him by the Anambra State Government, thanked the Governor and the people of the State, saying that the recognition, would spur him to do more for the development of the State and mankind.
The categories of the honorees are-the Pillars of Our Heritage Award, Light Bearers Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Philanthropists Extraordinaire and Business Titans, Ambassadors of Excellence Award, Outstanding Public Service Award, Pillars of Interdenomination Harmony Award, Icons of Education Award, Icons of Tradition and Service to Humanity Award and the Evergreen Posthumous Award.
Recipients of the “Pillars of Our Heritage Award” are Sir Louis Odimegwu Ojukwu, the first millionaire in Nigeria and his son the late Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president, late professor Chinue Achebe, Cardinal Francis Arinze, Emeka Anyaoku, former secretary general of the Common Wealth, late Chuba Okadigbo, former senate president, late Father Cyprian Tansi and Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former vice president of Nigeria.
The event, which took place at the Governor’s lodge, Amawbia, attracted the crème de la crème in Anambra State.
