Imbibe togetherness, Nigerians told as Udom Emmanuel joins Hall of Fame

The Hall of Grace (HoG) at the weekend inducted Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel into its Hall of Fame as part of activities to herald the country’s pre-20th democracy anniversary.

Emmanuel was recognised along with 37 others who were decorated by HoG for their contributions to the growth of democracy.

Specifically, Emmanuel, whose developmental strides in Akwa Ibom earned him the honour, was decorated as the overall best performing governor in Nigeria by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in Lagos.

The Ooni commended founder of HoG for recognising good deeds, saying: “I have always followed Emmanuel’s activities in the state, his tenacity and passion for Akwa Ibom. I love the state for what he has done, and looking forward to another vacation there. Akwa Ibom is a brand that is under-marketed in Nigeria.”

He stressed the need to celebrate good leaders, adding that in spite of the challenges, Nigeria still have some good leaders who are doing great things.

“Leadership and followership go together, let us learn to love one another,” he admonished.

Emmanuel was represented by Commissioner for Information, Charles Udoh, who said the governor was honoured for his strides in infrastructure, health, human capital development and love for his people.

Founder of HoG, Rupert Ojenuwa, said the awards, which holds once in four years, recognises true achievers who are striving to make Nigeria a better place.

“No matter what we have experienced in the past 19 years, democracy deserves to be celebrated, if only for the freedom of speech and expression that it affords us,” he stated.

Ojenuwa, who described Emmanuel as a governor with human heart, said the induction was a precursor to HoG’s awards dinner, which would honour heroes of democracy, especially those who lost their lives during the struggle like M.K.O. Abiola or those who died during the military era.

“It will also appreciate those who helped to sustain democracy like National Assembly members and others. Our democracy needs to advance and be strengthened. The principles of separation of powers need to be reinforced.”

In his his opening remarks, Ituah Ighodalo, said the HoG award was founded to celebrate Nigeria and few Nigerians who have done well in contributing to the growth of the country.

“I urge all of us to stand together to make Nigeria great again,” he said.

Also speaking, Abdul-Mumuney Abiola, noted that his father fought for democracy in the best way he thought best, adding: “My father made a decision in 1993, and the consequences of that decision contributed to what we are enjoying in Nigeria today. We need to treat each other as a family to move the country forward.”

Other awardees into the hall of fame are, former presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Shehu Yar’Adua, Bola Tinubu, Woke Soyinka and Atiku Abubakar, among others.