The 2022 National award investiture ceremony was held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) Abuja on Tuesday; 11 October 2022. The Award of titles of honor, decorations, and dignitaries is a solemn and patriotic event at which the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria honors deserving Nationals and Non-Nationals, who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation, their profession, and humanity in accordance with the National Honours Act of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. They include but are not limited to: ‘‘consistent and meaningful participation in community and/or national development; rendering unsolicited, selfless and philanthropic services to humanity; outstanding sacrifice in the defense of a cause popularly adjudged to be positive, relevant and beneficial to the nation and community.’’ etc.
The 2022 honors award had 450 recipients drawn from all works of life and it is adjudged the largest in the history of the award. The comprehensive list follows a careful screening by President Buhari.
Prominent among awardees of the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) award is the Group Chief Executive Officer of the OILSERV GROUP; Engr. Dr. Emeka Okwuosa alongside 64 other distinguished technocrats and lawmakers.
It is worth noting that Engr. Dr. Emeka Okwuosa had received the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award in the past making the Commander of the Order of the Niger award (CON) the second national honor conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Muhammadu Buhari who described the occasion as a solemn and patriotic one thanked the recipient for their sacrifices and contributions towards national development.
To celebrate this laudable feat; a special dinner tagged “An evening to felicitate with our Commander of the Order of the Niger was arranged. Friends and Family of Engr. Dr. Emeka Okwuosa convened at the prestigious “De Cascade” Restaurant and Bar in Abuja to wine and dine. It is also important to note some of the dignitaries there present and including Sen Ben Obi, Mr. Timi Alaibe, Hon. Azuka Okwuosa, Chief. Innocent Chukwuma, Chief George Moghalu, Engr. Barwa Mohammed, Mr. Nick Odinuwe, Engr. Abdulkadir Ahmed and a host of other dignitaries.
The live band set the right mood ready for all the glitz and glamour that characterizes the event as elegantly dressed guests made their way into the restaurant. Inside the hall, the guest gradually settled into the occasion anticipating a wonderful evening.
Celebrating excellence is the reason they all gathered and it becomes even more interesting when it’s all spiced up with lots of entertainment. Time was allotted for the showcase of a special documentary titled; The Giant strides of Engr. Emeka Okwuosa. The documentary covers his contributions to the Oil/Gas sector, Local Content Development, Agriculture, Healthcare, and Philanthropic activities through his foundation; The sir. Emeka Okwuosa Foundation all aimed towards improving the lives of the public and national development at large. Little wonder why the Federal Government of Nigeria decided to honor him with the award of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The event took a break for speeches and testimonials by Family, friends, and well-wishers and climaxed with an appreciation speech by the celebrant.
In summary, GCEO is a rear breed. A philanthropist whose sense of mission is hinged on the economic and sociological belief that enriching humanity is by plowing back his resources into society. His footsteps should be closely understudied and his brand of generosity fully emulated.
Congratulations Mr. Local Content as fondly described by many.
The cap truly fits!
