By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
SOME DISTINGUISHED Nigerians were celebrated at the 2024 West Africa Icon Awards in Abuja on Saturday, August 17.
Among the honourees were Paul Ejime, an acclaimed journalist and governance communications specialist, and Bash Ali, a former World Boxing Champion.
Darlington Momoh Umoru, Editor-in-Chief of Elation Magazine, praised the honourees as high achievers who have not received enough recognition for their contributions to society and human development.
Ejime, also a Chevening Fellow and global affairs analyst, has played a significant role in shaping governance narratives in West Africa.
Through his work as a communications specialist, he has influenced policy decisions and enriched the field of public information strategies.
Ejime, accompanied by his wife Adeline and well-wishers, expressed his gratitude to the publishers of Elation Magazine, particularly Editor-in-Chief Umoru, his team, and his family.
He commended their initiative at a time when many look solely to the government for transformative actions.
The event also honoured public servants, entrepreneurs, and experts who have made notable contributions.
Among them were Customs Officers, recognized for their fight against smuggling and other crimes in West Africa, and Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu, President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire.
Onwuchelu used the platform to highlight the dangers of human trafficking, child prostitution, and child labour.
Furthermore, he revealed that his team has repatriated over 900 girls to Nigeria since 2021, many of whom were trafficked under false pretenses.
Dr. Chioma Amajoh, a retired Director from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and a renowned malaria expert, was also honoured. Known as “Mama Malaria,” she called for increased efforts to combat the deadly disease in Africa.
Another recipient, Dickson Orji, Coordinator of the Presidential Committee on small arms and light weapons, addressed the issue of illicit light weapons in Nigeria, linking them to the nation’s rising insecurity.
Bash Ali, a former World Boxing Federation Cruiserweight Champion, expressed deep appreciation for the award, noting its significance as a grassroots recognition.
Despite holding the title of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), he felt this award carried a unique value.
Umoru, who also works as a Security Consultant with the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, expressed mixed feelings about the event.
While pleased with the recognition given, he lamented that many awards come posthumously.
He cited the recent death of Chief Ambrose Nwoye, a philanthropist and supporter of Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire, who received a posthumous award at the event.
Umoru challenged the awardees to continue their impactful work, joining a prestigious group of past recipients, including former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the late President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana.
