Our correspondent
The Association of Heads of Federal Establishments Anambra State Chapter held her annual end of year program in New Orleans Hotel, Udoka Housing Estate Awka capital city.
Dara Chijioke Okechukwu, the chairman of the Anambra State Chapter of the association in his welcome address noted that the yearly gathering of heads of federal establishments is a convivial event to round off the year and usher in a new year in the working calendar.
“This year’s event is featuring end of year party, award giving ceremony to our members who have distinguished themselves in the various areas of their endeavors and a send forth of our distinguished members who have either retired in active service or transferred to other states,” he expatiated.
A minute silence was solemnly observed for the deceased members who died within this year with particular emphasis on security agents who lost their lives in active service while defending the state territorial base and maintaining the peace of the land.
At this juncture, all the security agencies including the military and paramilitary heads in the state were given awards for their outstanding performance in securing peace and order in the state.
Mr Chijioke also in his remarks, noted that normalcy has greatly returned to the state as against the mayhem unleashed be some unscrupulous elements in the recent pass.
“I can testify to the significant improvement on security in our State now, last two weeks ago, I buried my late mum in my village without any hitches security wise. I remember I have had to attend about four burial ceremonies of Anambra indigenes in other states recently.
But I thank God today that all those experiences are becoming a thing of the past through the efforts of our infatigable members in the security agencies,” he enthused.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) Anambra State Command, Echeng D Echeng who was duly represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Umolu P Ozigi – finance and administration in his speech on behalf of other recipients of awards thanked the association for acknowledging the hard work of their members in the course of their duties.
“It is quite encouraging to know our efforts and hard works are noticed and recognized. This, I tell you will go a long way to boost our morals to do more for society. For reward for good work is more work and I am sure I and other heads of sister agencies will not disappoint,” he reiterated.
Other heads of Federal Establishments that were given awards are; Mr Enoch Pawa, the Director of Anambra State Directorate of State Security, the Area Manager and Deputy Director, Industrial Training Fund, (ITF), Mrs. Nancy Ekong,
The State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, Isidore C. Chikere, and Mrs Inyang Margrate, Director Principal of Federal Science and Technology College Awka.
Mrs Ngozika Obidike, the Zonal Coordinator for Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC, Engr Bibian Ekwonu – National Identity Management Commission
NIMC Enugu and Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa – Anambra state coordinator of National Youth Service Corp NYSC, were sent forth to their new stations and as well given awards for outstanding performance in different categories.
The highlight of the event was the state of conviviality achieved as different side attractions such as dancing time, joker cracking amongst others created occasional interlude.
In their reactions after the award ceremony, Dr Tessy Okoli, the Provost College of Education (Technical) Umunze and Dr Ezeribe the Director of National Open University of Nigeria NOUN respectively had these to say,
“This is good! It’s an opportunity for us to come together in a less formal setting to relax, meet and catch up with our colleagues.
“You know they say, no work and no play makes Jack a… This is sort of unwinding the year in a sociable way and I am happy I am part of it.”
Amongst members that attended the event were; Mr Walter Onah, Director Anambra State Nigeria Examination Council NECO, Mr Ali Ahcmed, Anambra State Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Lady Christy Igwe, head of Nigeria Medical Laboratories Anambra State, Mrs Ohiri – Nigeria Export and Promotion Council.
