Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihdeioha has been honoured with African Achievers Award for his rare and unique people-centric leadership qualities.
The honour which is geared towards recognizing excellent individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves in their contribution to the growth and development of Africa was held last Saturday at the prestigious Hilton Hotel in the Kenyan Capital, Nairobi.
The Deputy Speaker was described at the Ceremony as a ‘dynamic parliamentarian whose exposure and experience has brought a new lease of life to the Nigerian House of Representatives’.
In his remark, after receiving the award presented to him by Dr. Rilwan Lukman, former Secretary General of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Hon. Ihedioha described the honour ‘as a humbling experience’.
While commending the organizers of the event for finding him along with other distinguished Africans worthy of recognition, he said, ‘I am dedicating this award to the legislators all over Africa especially in Nigeria for their commitment and diligence to the business of lawmaking’.
‘I urge all my colleague lawmakers to rise up and get their job done so that Africa can have a stronger democracy because if we don’t check government, dictatorship will set in. Therefore it behoves on us to continue to contribute very positively to the business of governance. We must therefore rise up and take responsibility to realise the Africa of our dream’. He said.
Highlights of the ceremony were traditional dances, music and poetry presentations.
Other awardees at the ceremony includes, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, former Secretary of OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries), Late Prof Atta Mills, former President of Ghana, Arch. Yemisi Dooshima Suswan, wife of Benue State Governor.
