By: Ifeanyi Okonkwo
Andrew J. Young, Foundation, Inc of Atlanta, Georgia, has honoured Sir (Dr.) Emeka Offor and Rotary International Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, with "International Humanitarian Award" in Biloxi, Mississippi, United States of America, The award presentation held during the annual “Pass on Blessings” of the Foundation. According to Ambassador Andrew Young, "the honour is in appreciation of philanthropic and public-spirited endeavors in Nigeria, Africa and beyond".
It will be recalled that both Andrew J. Young Foundation and Sir Emeka Offor Foundation have engaged in humanitarian initiatives to improve the life, health and wellbeing of humanity through programs and initiatives to assist challenged communities.
The event attracted several dignitaries from Nigeria and overseas. These include: former Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Ken Nnamani; former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Howard Jeter; member of the Board, Rotary International, Brenda Cressey; President, US Centre for Disease Control Foundation, Dr. Judy Monroe; founder, Books for Africa, Tom Warth; Executive Director, Books for Africa, Dr Patrick Plonski and Director of Planned and Major Gifts, Rotary International, Peggy Asseo.
In his own remarks, Sir Emeka Offor who attended the event with his wife, Barrister Adaora Offor, dedicated the award to humanitarian workers and volunteers all over the world, who drive the engine of reaching out to the less privileged and challenged Communities. According to him, philanthropy and generosity will amount to nothing without these workers. He paid glowing tribute to Ambassador Andrew Young and his Foundation for touching lives and promised future collaborative partnerships.
In his congratulatory message, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, expressed great delight at the award, describing Offor as worthy philanthropic, and a great son of Anambra State. He praised the several humanitarian initiatives of Offor, especially the “structured campaigns for the eradication of Polio which has yielded invaluable results”.
Similarly, the President, Rotary International, Mark Daniel Maloney, congratulated Sir Offor, describing him as a generous Rotarian whose support for programs to create peace, foster Maternal and Child Health, promote Literacy and eradicate polio from the face of the earth are worthy of commendation. “Because of you, children throughout Africa have opportunities to grow up healthy and educated” he concluded.
In what seem to be a flood gate of accolades, Thomas Thorfinnson, General Manager and Chief Strategic Officer for Rotary International, noted that Rotary International is proud and honoured to have Sir Emeka Offor and thanked him for his humanitarian programs throughout the world especially his contribution to the new Makerere University Rotary Peace Centre.
Sir (Dr.) Emeka Offor and team have since departed to Atlanta where he is expected to flag-off the shipment of 14 units of 40 feet containers of Medical Equipment and Supplies for distribution to needy hospitals and health institutions in Nigeria. The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Emmanuel Ehanire and other officials of the Ministry are expected to represent the Federal Government of Nigeria at the events, as well as the Consul General of the Nigerian Mission.
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