By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Special Assistant to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Special Duties and South South Coordinator of Ohanaeze Youths Wing Worldwide, Chief (Hon.) Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, has been awarded as ‘Ochiagha umuntorobia 1 na South South’ by Ezendigbo Gburugburu in Akwa Ibom State, His Majesty (Dr.) AMB CYC Umeakuka JP, for his contributions in uplifting the Ndigbos.
Arthur-Ugwa, who bagged the award during the 2025 Igbo unity day celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, used the opportunity to heaped praises on Governor Douye Diri, for the successes of his prosperity administration and for appointing Igbo people into his government.
He also presented the branded Tshirt and face cap of Governor Douye Diri, as a good ambassador of Bayelsa State government, informing him of our governor, Sen, Douye Diri’s good works and love for Ndigbo in the State.
He said the achievements of the prosperity government in Bayelsa State is a model of democratic leadership at the second tier of governance in Nigeria.
Arthur-Ugwa was invited by the capacity president Ohanaeze Ndigbo Akwaibom State, Hon, Kayceey Chidiadi. To celebrate Igbo unity day after 26 years of crises.
Presenting the award to him at the palace of Ezendigbo Gburugburu in Akwa Ibom State, His Majesty (Dr.) AMB CYC Umeakuka JP, said he was honoured for his contributions in uplifting the Ndigbos.
He said Chief Arthur-Ugwa has over the years been a leading figure for Igbo youths and has been a good example to Igbo people worldwide.
Dr. Umeakuka, who is also the president general emeritus of Ezendigbo in Nigeria and Diaspora, said the award recipient has been a uniting factor for Igbo youths and has continued to be a worthy example of hardwork, excellence and commitment to his chosen tasks.
Speaking shortly after bagging the award, Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, appreciated the Ndi Igbos in Akwa Ibom State for founding him worthy for the honour and promised to do more in uplifting the name of Ohanaeze and the youths.
He said that under his leadership, Ohanaeze Youths in South South region has become one United family, with no crisis and supremacy struggle.
He urged the youths of Ohanaeze to remain peaceful in anywhere they found themselves, and remain on law abiding.
He also congratulated the president and His Majesty and entire ohanaeze leadership in Akwa Ibom State.
He also presented a meritorious award, in recognizing of their hardwork for restoring peace in Ohanaeze Akwaibom State chapter, stating that it will encourage other lgbo leaders to emulate them and choose the line of peace in their various states of residence.
Speaking at the Igbo Unity Day Celebration, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity, ensuring that all residents, regardless of ethnic background, feel valued and empowered to contribute to the state’s growth and development.
He noted the fact that some of their members were born in the State, and having established their businesses in the State as well, should be treated as part and parcel of the State.
He commended the leadership of the Igbo community for engineering unity amongst themselves, and for embracing peace and unity which has become the hallmark of the current administration, stressing that with unity, a lot could be achieved for their overall good.
The Governor pledged to continue to partner the Igbo community as well as all the non indigenous communities to sustain the existing harmonious relationship, as long as they live in peace, obey the laws of the land, and do not involve or perpetuate criminality.
Earlier, the President of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Hon. Kayceey Chidiadi, commended Governor Eno for his visionary and impactful leadership, stressing that the peaceful and unifying attributes of the Governor has permeated their forum and is responsible for the peace and unity in the community which had eluded them for many years.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for appointing their members into his government, admitting that such privilege has never been extended to them since the creation of the state.