Thursday, 28th March 2024
To guardian.ng
Search
Arts  

Children’s Book Author, Others Bag Pillars Of Black Race Awards

By Ijeoma Opara
27 December 2015   |   12:10 am
Children storybook author and Managing Director, Henry Gold Publishers, Mr. Henry Edero-Okpor, along with 11 others were awarded Pillars of the Black Race Merit Award last weekend in Lagos. Peaklaurels magazine which gave the awards, recognised the individuals for contributing immensely to the development of society in their various professions. The award had as theme…
Edero-Okpor

Edero-Okpor

Children storybook author and Managing Director, Henry Gold Publishers, Mr. Henry Edero-Okpor, along with 11 others were awarded Pillars of the Black Race Merit Award last weekend in Lagos.

Peaklaurels magazine which gave the awards, recognised the individuals for contributing immensely to the development of society in their various professions. The award had as theme ‘Re-igniting Passion for Service to Humanity for Social Progress.’

While speaking at the event, Managing Director of the magazine, Mr. Agada Joseph noted that the awards were borne out of the need to recognise and honour those whose hard work and integrity have helped to make a difference in society.

According to him, “In a decadent society where the value system prioritizes money and material acquisition, where the source is not important but the wealth, deliberate effort at reviving and sustaining our moral values must be made if we must make a headway in our journey towards sustainable growth and development in Africa.

“Peaklaurels magazine is privileged to present 12 illustrious African men and women who are distinct indeed. They have demonstrated that indeed ‘black is beautiful’ and with these calibre of men and women, there is hope for Nigeria and the black race”.

Chairman of the occasion Mr. Ejemeh Edward said the hardworking men and women were reaping the fruits of their labour, adding, “This shows your massive contribution and it is a propeller to more hard work because the reward for hard work is more work. We live in a generation where the young ones are only interested in making quick money, but these awardees have shown that hard work really pays”.

Among the awardees were Proprietress, Binta International School, Deaconess Enoma Adenuga, clergymen Mr. Abraham Oyebanji and Rev. Jonathan Akanbi and Proprietor, Excel Immaculate Schools, Deaconess Emelda Ofor Anamelechi among others.

While responding on behalf of the other awardees, Edero-Okpor said they felt excited being recognised and appreciated for the work they do.

Narrating his personal story, Edero-Okpor, the industrial mathematician-turned-writer, said, “It all began in 2004 when I wrote my first book Who Is Next? designed to campaign against HIV/AIDS. We were holding seminars for workers and teachers in Ibadan. In 2005 we came to Lagos and did the same. When the campaign was winding down, we thought of reaching out to children, but decided to do it through storytelling that has moral lessons. I always had a strong passion for writing. I thank God people appreciate what we do”.

0 Comments