A frontline Imo State born entrepreneur, scholar, and philanthropist, Chairman of Megadrill Oil & Gas Ltd, Dr. Ejike Chukwu, was among prominent Nigerians and African leaders honoured at the 12th edition of the annual Igbo New Yam Festival in Ghana, where he bagged ‘The Outstanding Ndigbo Excellent Oil Magnet Award’ during the award presentation at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park.

The award conferment on Dr. Ejike Chukwu was in recognition of the philanthropist immeasurable contributions toward the socio-economic development of Nigeria’s upstream oil sector, impactful leadership, selfless community services, productive engagement of the youths through job creation and skills acquisition, avowed commitment to uplifting lives and empowering thousands of Imo widows through the Ejike Chukwu Foundation.

The Igbo Diaspora Cultural Excellence Award nomination of the 2019 Imo governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), appropriately reflects several other well deserved awards and honours conferred on him by established organisations as a trailblazer, having distinguished himself in the oil and gas industry, in philanthropy, in business development, in capacity building, empowerment of widows, and strong advocacy for the development of the Niger Delta region, among other highly impressive private business outings and national assignments.

It is worthy of note that the serial entrepreneur was the delight of participants as he received Hero of Humanitarian Award in Owerri, last August, during the South East Media Summit and Awards alongside Governor Hope Uzodimma, who was also honoured with the ‘Most Media Friendly Governor in the South East.’

The yearly event of Ndigbo Cultural Diaspora Excellence Awards organised during the Igbo New Yam Festival, over the years, has been playing a pivotal role in promoting peace and unity, bilateral economic relationship with the host country- Ghana, Igbo rich cultural heritage as well as projecting illustrious sons of Igboland and other prominent Nigerians who are making meaningful impact in their various fields of endeavours.

Other distinguished recipients of the NCDE Awards in Ghana include: Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, Imo State, His Royal Majesty King Ateke Michael Tom (Amayanabo of Okochiri), Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, Sen. Osita Izunaso, Sen. Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, Sen. Chinedu Ned Nwoko, Mr. Peter Obi, Ugochinyere Ikenga Imo, Dr. Nkeiru Uzoma Anite, Prin Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, Chinwe Nnabuife and Barr. Ngozi Njoku.