Ex-ASATU leadership honours Ohanaeze VP, CP, Umeh, others

By Praise Chinecherem

Vice President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene has been conferred with the Grand Patron honour by the Association of Past Presidents General of Anambra State (APPAS) under the Association of Anambra state Town Union (ASATU).

The association also honoured Commissioner of Police in the state, Aderemi Adeoye, with the award of excellence in security architecture.

Other personalities awarded were Senator representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, Chief Victor Umeh, Presidential candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peter Umeadi, a philanthropist, Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, among others.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award at the group’s 2024 General Assembly in Awka, Ogene expressed joy that an organization with a little beginning could boast of men of timber and caliber as a result of years of sacrifice by the founding fathers.

He said, “The elders went back to memory of the reason behind forming this association which is not based on money, but on self recognition and self service.

“I started early to be involved in community service, which attracted to me an award of Grand Commander on service to the community by the Willie Obiano-led government.

“Today, the association has crowned it with an honour of Grand patron. I didn’t lobby for it. I’m the most senior PG both past and present, outside Ikeazor. I helped in forming the association.

I’m also the oldest serving executive, 26 years still counting and the only one in history of Ohaneze that have served three different national offices.

“I believe you must be willing to learn to grow, that’s why they refer to me as encyclopedia. I’ll always see myself as the least person in any organisation I belong because I want to tap from the knowledge of others.

“The most recognised service is the one elected by the community, because there’s no rigging. You can rig election of any political party, but you can’t rig that of town union.”

Also speaking, the CP appreciated the body for finding him worthy of the recognition, pledging increased commitment to their responsibility.

He said, “I felt humble and the same time gratified and fulfilled that the past Presidents General of over 179 communities in Anambra State found me worthy for an award of excellence in security architecture.

“It’s a recognition I cherish because it validates and recognises the modest efforts the sPolice command has put in towards serving the people.

“This we’ve done in synergy with sister security agencies. Incidentally, I coordinate all the security agencies in the state, both military and paramilitary.

“In essence, the award is not just for me or the police, but for all the entire security services operating in the state.

“Not only do we function as federal government agencies, but we collaborate with state vigilante groups and local communities and town unions. So it’s a robust partnership where everyone work for the security of the state.

“This award coming from a body that offered it is significant because they represent the aspirations of the people of the state at the grassroots.

“It’s not an elitist award, but grassroots oriented; simply lending voice to the saying that the voice of the people is the voice of God. We see this award as the people themselves speaking who we take seriously because they’re the reason for our existence.

“Just as the constitution stipulates that security and welfare of the people are sole responsibility of governmentm. When these things are lacking, it means government has failed.

“But in Anambra State, government hasn’t failed. Rather it has lived up to its expectations in meeting the people’s aspirations for security.

“Since the environment is security friendly, it makes it easier for people to achieve their lives ambitions. That’s why we’re elated at the award, feeling that efforts we put in as a duty, not as favour is being recognised.”

Earlier, National President of Association of Past President General of Anambra state (APPS), Mazi Omife Omife praised Okeke-Ogene for his selfless service and commitment to the association.

He said the Ohanaze boss was honoured with the award together with others for distinguishing themselves in their respective areas of endeavours.