By Frank Summer, AnchorNews

The International Conference Center (ICC), Enugu, came alive with grandeur and civic pride on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as the Benson Nebo Foundation staged the maiden edition of its Citizen Recognition Awards, drawing together top government officials, community leaders, professionals, and citizens in a celebration of excellence, integrity, and service to humanity.

Held under the theme “Honoring Excellence, Inspiring a Generation,” the event provided a high-level platform for acknowledging individuals and groups whose contributions have significantly advanced leadership, innovation, and socio-economic development in Enugu State. The ceremony opened with prayers by Dr. Buchi Nnaji, setting a reflective and hopeful tone for the gathering.

The awards ceremony attracted an array of dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Uchenna Ugwu; Hon. Okechukwu Aneke, representing Udi South State Constituency; Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, representing Ezeagu State Constituency; and the Founder and Chairman of the Benson Nebo Foundation, Mr. Chijioke Nelson Nebo, alongside other prominent personalities from across the state and beyond.

Adding colour and cultural depth to the occasion, the Enugu State Cultural Troupe thrilled guests with vibrant performances that celebrated the rich heritage and identity of the state, drawing warm applause from the audience.

In his keynote address, Mr. Chijioke Nelson Nebo said the Citizen Recognition Awards were designed to go beyond ceremonial honours, describing them as a deliberate effort to spotlight positive social impact and inspire responsible citizenship. He explained that the Benson Nebo Foundation was established to recognize excellence, inspire service, and contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of Enugu State.

According to him, the foundation’s work spans youth empowerment initiatives, educational support through scholarships and mentorship, healthcare and benevolence programmes for vulnerable groups, and a food bank initiative aimed at addressing hunger across the state’s 17 local government areas. He noted that true development begins when people are empowered, supported, and celebrated for doing the right thing.

Mr. Nebo, who has lived and worked both in Nigeria and abroad, stressed that progress is not driven by government alone but by citizens who care, act, and contribute. He charged the award recipients to continue leading by example and urged young people present at the event to remain steadfast in integrity and hard work, assuring them of the foundation’s commitment to supporting their aspirations.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the foundation for its vision and acknowledged the hard work and ongoing transformation in Enugu State. He noted the state government’s interest in strengthening engagement with citizens in the diaspora as a strategic pathway to accelerating grassroots development.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to outstanding individuals and organizations. Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah was honoured as Outstanding Politician of the Year, while Prof. Chidiebere Onyia received recognition for his dedicated service and contributions to the state’s progress. Innovation and Technology Awards were presented to Mr. Joseph Godwin Ikechukwu and Sir Kingsley Eze, while Rev. Emmanuel Nwobodo, popularly known as God’s Oracle, was honoured in the creative arts category.

Other award recipients included Mr. Alex Ogbodo who received Media and Journalism Excellence award, Kelvin Onovo and Joy Onovo as Outstanding Husband and Outstanding Wife respectively, while Enugu Union, Switzerland, and Umuaga in Diaspora, Umuneke Community, London, emerged as Global Diaspora Community of the Year. Former Super Eagles player, Mr. John Otaka, received the Outstanding Sports Icon Award, while Solomon C. Okeke was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.

Scholarship benefactors and individuals noted for their commitment to supporting education and community development “back home” were also recognised, reinforcing the foundation’s people-centered development philosophy.

The 2026 Citizen Recognition Awards ended with a strong call for sustained collaboration between the private sector, the diaspora, and government, as the Benson Nebo Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to building an Enugu State where opportunity is accessible to all and excellence is consistently celebrated.