Like the proverbial "Golden Fish" that has no hiding place, the leadership prowess of the member representing Ezeagu constituency in Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze continues to bring him good tidings.

Today, the 30th of July 2019, the leadership of ECOWAS Youths Council stormed the office of Hon. Obieze at Enugu State House of Assembly to confer on him the "Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Integrity and Excellence."

Speaking on the choice of Hon. Obieze for the prestigious award, the Council President, HE Amb. Oluwaseun Ologu Williams from Cape Verde emphasized that in their drive to identifying with young personalities that have been involved in Youths and Students movement, they are here to honour one of such character.

In his words, "Hon. Obieze have been very outstanding in empowering the youths of Enugu State and Nigeria in general. We are perplexed by his achievements as a student leader up to this moment.

"We didn't just base our assessment on his youths empowerment programmes and character which are unquestionable, his contributions in the justice reform bill and health sector reform bill in Enugu State were very robust and were also another factor. His strides as the House Committee Chairman on lands weren't left out ."

Amb. Ologu Williams went on to emphasize that they are in Enugu, Nigeria to honour someone not just in the realm of the youths but an astute achiever thus they are very proud of him for not disappointing the youths' constituency.

Explaining about the Council, Amb. Ologu said they work with ECOWAS, Commission and other youths organizations in the region to promote sustainable growth and regional integration amongst member states.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Enugu Youths Council, Comr. Paschal Ugwu said that "Hon. Obieze is an enigma that can't be summerized with thousands of words. His achievements crisscross all spheres of life."

In his citation of Hon. Obieze before the presentation of the award, Amb. Ikejiofor Promise, the Diplomatic Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs from Nigeria stated that "the leadership skill in Barr. Obieze began to manifest when he was just 10 years as a church leader at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Asata Enugu.

"The basic trait that characterised the person Obieze is his Humility, Honesty, Courage and Intelligence" he said.

In his appreciation speech, Obieze who couldn't hide his joy for the respect and recognition accorded him by the council, appreciated them for leaving their various countries to Nigeria to present the award to him.

"I thank you for finding me worthy to be the recipient of this worthy, I know there are other Africans that also deserve this award, but for finding me worthy to receive this award, I thank you." Going further, Obieze reiterated that "the award is not just an honour, it's an encouragement, motivation and inspiration to do even more.

"A lot needs to be done and this will spur me to do more and be a better person as so many youths are looking up to him. I'm of the firm believe that it is only the youths that can get West Africa and by extension, Africa to work for Africans.

"The continent of Africa is like darkness in the eyes of the world and it is only the youths that will shine the light needed in the continent as the youths are no longer the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today" he concluded.

The Deputy Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon.Uche Ugwu, representing Udi North Constituency who was also present for the award presentation told the youth organisation that "he is impressed but not surprised because your council couldn't have made a better choice."

"Obieze might be young by age but very rich in ideas and wisdom, though I'm older than him, I look up to him in so many things" the Deputy Speaker said.

Speaking about Obieze's leadership acumen, the Deputy speaker said "his empowerment strides as a leader goes beyond his constituency which is a pointer that he has a large heart.

"Chima is one youth leader his actions has continued to speak for in various fora" he concluded.

Also present during the presentation of the award were Hon. Okwu Chinedu Otaka, lawmaker representing Aninri in Enugu State House of Assembly, Amb. Vincent Varney, the Asst. General Secretary of ECOWAS Youth Council from Liberia and other youth leaders.

https://journalist101.com/2019/07/30/hon-obieze-receives-nelson-mandela-leadership-award-of-integrity-excellence/

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