The Rumuola Youth Forum in Obio/Akpor L.G.A of Rivers State has honoured a Port Harcourt based journalist, Mr. Joe Kalu of the National Network Newspapers for his outstanding performance in grassroots reporting.
The ceremony which was the 2nd Biennial Award ceremony was held on August 31, 2012, at Veros Restaurant by Rumuola Junction, Port Harcourt.
The meritorious award was extended to 31 other distinguished personalities and corporate bodies in the state, in recognition of their selfless services and contributions toward the welfare of the Rumuola community in particular and the state in general.
Delivering his welcome address, the President of the youth body, Comrade Wonodi Kingsley said the first Biennial award night started in 2010 with the aim of encouraging and strengthening those that have worked selflessly in the development of the society.
Comrade Wonodi maintained that the cardinal point of the award was for the maintenance of peace within the community, State and the nation at large, saying that the award is based on merit. The President stated that the 32 personalities that received awards have contributed in the various capacities and welfare that cut across the state.
The chairman of the occasion, Hon Michael Okey Chindah, member representing Obio/Akpor II in the Rivers State House of Assembly said in his address that he was particularly happy to associate with the RYF because of their peaceful disposition. He lamented that the insecurity in the country is a by-product of the high unemployment rate and advised the authorities to shift attention towards the empowerment of the youths.
The legislator who was represented by the councilor representing Ward 13 (Rumuola/Rumuadaolu) in Obio/Akpor Legislative Assembly, Hon Gift Ama Chinda, promised to encourage the Rumuola Youths realize their objective at all times he is called upon.
It could be recalled that the Rumuola Youth Forum in the past have experienced youth crisis which was inimical to the socio-economic development of the community. Some of the categories of the awards are, Award of excellence, leadership Award and others.
Presenting his citation, Mr. Nsirim Samuel said Mr. Joe Kalu, a journalist in the National Network Newspaper was particularly singled out for his doggedness and courage in bringing their plight to the attention of the authorities during the dark days when cultists were ravaging their community.
He disclosed that the 48 year old journalist with a Masters degree who started his journalism career with the Port Harcourt Telegraph Group of Newspapers rose through the ranks to become the Senior Correspondent of the defunct Beam Newspaper before crossing over to the National Network Newspapers this year to strengthen its editorial team.
Briefing journalists after the event, Mr. Joe Kalu, Associate Editor of National Network Newspapers, stated that he was among the people that brought their plight to the notice of the state government when the community was in deep cult crises and it was government intervention that brought peace to the Rumuola community.
Joe Kalu expressed deep appreciation for the award, that at last the community remembered him as one of those who contributed to peace and stability in their community
Kalu dedicated the award to his publisher Mr. Jerry Needam who he pointed out, offered him the platform and good luck.
Another awardee was optimistic for the youths in the country and the state at large, but pleaded with the Government of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi to design programmes that will put youths in a better position, though the economy is in a state of comatose judging from the world standard, noting that the youths are future leaders.
Chief Emeka Amadi Akalabu, one of the recipients, stated that the Rumuola youth forum honoured him because he has always been among the partakers of whatever thing they do in the community, hence the award.
Also speaking, a former youth president of the body Prince Amadi who was among those honoured, said that he has brought peace to the community but lamented that his tenure was characterized by crises, though there was development during his time as youth president.
Those who were honoured included the management and staff of Ray Power/AlT media house, Anyakwe Nsirimovu, Mrs. Peace Aguma, Chief Christian Akani, Chief Felix Amadi, Hon Precious Ikezam, Parks Hotels Ltd, Com. Stanley Okey Wonodi, Com. Victor Okey Amadi and Hon Chris Achor.
Others were Chief Emeka Akalabu, Corn Prince C. Amadi, Com Kingsley Wonodi, Mr. Ogechukwu Nnzeduno, Chief Kingsley Johnbosco Ozigbo, Chief Morris Wagwu, Udemgba Ray Emeka, Mr. Nelson Jaja, Barr. (Amb) George Turner and Robinson Wadike, among others.
The Special Adviser to the NDDC Managing Director/CEO on Youth Matters, Barr (Amb) George Turner spoke on behalf of the awardees, thanked the organizers for finding them worthy of the awards, promising that the gesture will spur them to do more for the benefit of the society.
He used the opportunity to commend the peaceful disposition of the Rumuola youths, advising them to keep it up. He equally advised them to respect and work together with the elders and chiefs of the community for optimum benefits.
Barr. Turner equally used the opportunity to appeal for support and cooperation to the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in the interest of the nation.
In his vote of thanks, Chief Christian Akani, an awardee said he was proud of the youths of Rumuola.
Earlier, the Forum had commissioned two boreholes projects it sank at Ebere and Owhond’s compound to supply water free of charge to the public.
Performing the official commissioning, Hon Michael O. Chindah member representing Obio/Akpor II at the RSHA ably represented by the ward 13 councillor, Hon Gift Ama Chindah’s said he was not surprised at the feat achieved by the present leadership of the Forum. He advised the youths to always work in Unison as Unity he noted is strength.
The CDC chairman of Orofu/Orokwurola communities that make up Rumuola clan, Mr. Alex 0. Michael and their paramount ruler, Eze Rowland E. Amadi (JP) in their separate speeches said they were very proud of their youths for their resourcefulness and would stand by them at all times to achieve set goals.###
(See page 9 for the pictures)
Pius Dukor/Mene Gbarabe
