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Meanwhile, more than N15 million was raised on the occasion, as Bauchi State governor, Mallam Isa Yaguda and his entourage donated more than N7 million to the community, while the Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji, donated N1 million.
As part of the event, some prominent citizens of Item and their friends, who had contributed positively to the development of the community, were honoured with awards, which came in different categories, like: Item Grand Merit Award (IGMA). Item posthumous Award (IPHA), Item Merit Award (IMA) and Item Services Award (ISA).
Recipients of the IGMA, which is the highest honour for the people were: Governor T.A. Orji (Ike Oha of Item), Mallam Yaguda, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former NDDC chairman, Chief Sir H.U. Osoka, Prof. Joe Irukwu (SAN), Elder Chief N.I. Uko and Chief E.O. Elendu.
The recipients of IMA were Chief Akwari Ukpabi, Prof. S.O. Igwe, Chief Johnny Ukpabi, Hon. Mba Ajah, Sir Ndukwe Michael, Osogho Ajala and Chief J.C. Ogwo.
Those for the IPHA were: Chief Ugorji Eke, Chief Agwu Obike, Chief Onyeabo Mba, Prof. Kesandu Okoronkwo Ogan, Chief Ogbonnaya maduka, Chief Orji Agwu and Mrs. Jane Egbichi Oteh.
Recipients of ISA were: Dr. Cosmos Ndukwe, Chief Robert Okoronkwo Udeagha, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu and Chief Rex Iko.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of Item Traditional Royal Council (ITRC), His majesty, Eze Maxwell Eme Dimgba, thanked the guests for abandoning their tight schedules to be part of the Item day celebration. The royal father, on behalf of the council, also thanked the President of IDA and his team for the good job done. He, however, regretted that no Item citizen was considered for any federal appointment in the current administration of President Umar Musa Yar’ Adua, when, according to him, there are, many competent hands in the community. He expressed hope and confidence that the situation could still be remedied.
He also used the opportunity to call on the federal Government to bring some Zimbabwean farmers to Item for commercial farming, as the community has vast arable land for agriculture and other sustainable development opportunities. The item day was concluded with the election of a new chairman for the Item Traditional Royal Council, following the stepping down of Eze Eme Dimgba, the Akpa of Akpa Eme Autonomous Community. His Royal Highness, Eze Agbeze Agbeze of Akpa-na-Agbo Autonomous Community was elected as the new chairman of the Council.
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KENNIECEE
I am a change agent from the city of Aba in Abia State, Nigeria. Email:
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