The Abia Central Senatorial district hopeful, Col. Austin Akobundu rtd was on Sunday decorated with a prestigious Award, “Pillar of Hope” by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State.
The former Minister, who was a Special Guest of Honour at a church service marking the end of a three-day Annual Bible Study, organized by the Anglican Youth Fellowship with the theme “Be strong and courageous”, was also described as a man of honour and large-hearted public servant.
According to the youth whose president, Enyinnaya Nwaigwe wanted the youth to always honour a progressive, said the Abia Central PDP candidate was honoured due to his massive and undeniable human capital investments both within and outside Abia state.
In his speech, the PDP candidate appreciated the youths and leaders of the church for the Award and expressed his delight to be part of such a soul-lifting event, particularly as it concerns the youth.
He asserted that the youths are the future leaders and that they should be groomed appropriately to prepare them for the leadership responsibilities that lie ahead, even as he urged them to abide by the theme of the programme “Be Strong and Courageous”.
Akobundu further requested them to be bold and upright, citing the story of Joshua and the dilemma that he faced when he was to take the place of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:1–8; 34:9) and how he stepped up to the challenge and God gave him the required strength to lead the people of Israel.
The former minister also stated that one of his cardinal objectives is to grow the youths for leadership, adding that any leader that doesn’t think of succession to the youths has already failed.
He therefore announced a donation to the Anglican Youth Fellowship of Isiala Ngwa South. The Award was presented to the former minister by His Grace, the Most Rev (Dr) Isaac Nwaobia, the Archbishop of Aba Provence and Bishop, Diocese of Isiala Ngwa South.
At the service were the campaign DG, Pastor Emeka Inyama, the Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Obinna Okey, the former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. ACB Agbazuere, (represented by the aspirant for the Isiala Ngwa State House of Assembly, Hon. Dennis Rowland), the Executive Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Chief Stephen Mpamugo, the Executive Chairman of Isiala Ngwa South, Hon. Iyke Anyatonwu, former T.C chairman of Ikwuano, Elder Henry Nwaoha, Hon. Ekeleme Ekije, Mr. Uche Nwosu, and other dignitaries.
Uche Nwosu is a two time Shell Petroleum PLC award winner in the year 2000;
He won the Shell Award on Investigative Journalism and Environmental Cleanliness.
