A significant development in Ebonyi State is the formation of a seven-person Honors Advisory Committee.
The committee, led by Deputy Governor Patricia Obila, has been tasked with the responsibility of identifying potential recipients of state honors and awards.
Joining the committee are Senator Anthony Agbo, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, Chief Mathias Adum, Dr. Boniface Chima, Mr. Godwin Mbam, and Prof. Grace Umezurike.
During the inauguration of the committee at the State Executive Council Chamber, Governor Francis Nwifuru emphasized that the committee consists of individuals with established integrity who will meticulously select deserving candidates for state honors.
The governor urged the committee to conduct their duties impartially, ensuring that only those who have significantly contributed to the state and society are nominated for recognition.
He expressed the challenges of distinguishing outstanding contributors from numerous applicants seeking recognition, noting, “We are in a society where everybody is scrambling for recognition even when they have not made meaningful contributions, so your job is very tasking to select a few out of many who may be jostling for the honor.”
Governor Nwifuru assured that the government would not interfere with the selection process and encouraged the committee to approach their tasks with enthusiasm and commitment.
He added, “You should not only base your assessment on those in authority or politicians, except those who have distinguished themselves in the service of the state. It will also be good if the contributions of our founding fathers are taken into consideration.”