Achebe, Akunyili & Okeke deserve the honor

KWENU! Our culture, our future

Achebe, Akunyili, & Okeke deserve the honor

Acho Orabuchi

Dallas, Texas

Friday, April 15, 2005

Congratulations lady and gentlemen!

Mahatma Gandhi in 1935 said, “No matter how insignificant the thing you have to do, do it as well as you can, give it as much of your care and attention as you would give to the thing you regard as most important. For it will be by those small things that you shall be judged.” In a corruption-stricken society, there seems to be scarcity of individuals of probity. However, there are individuals who refused to be lured into the order of the day. Instead, propriety has become their life in upholding the words of Gandhi above. These individuals deserve honor and commendation.

Obviously, Achebe, Akunyili, and Okeke have personified the content of the words eloquently spoken by Leah de Roulet, a social worker, who counsels terminal cancer patients. In her words, she said, "I am led to believe that if there is a real purpose for any of us, it is to some how enhance each other's humanity--to love, to touch others' lives, to put others in touch with basic human emotions, to know that you have made even one life breathe easier because you have lived."

Most people would agree that these individuals are truly the embodiment of the philosophy enunciated by Leah de Roulet. So did PNF USA, a political organization cum pressure group, when it said, “Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation USA, Inc. (PNF USA) is announcing with highest esteem the winner of the 2005 PNF USA Lifetime Achievement Award. Professor Chinua Achebe, an advocate for justice and equity, eminent scholar and a literary icon, who has used his literary works to inspire and touch the lives of so many people around the world, is our choice for the 2005 PNF USA Lifetime Achievement Award.”

“This award is given to someone who has exemplified him/herself in various works of life with ardent commitment to serving humanity. An individual who advocates for human rights, compassion, honest leadership, etc., Professor Achebe, a renowned author and man of the people, excelled the criteria set for the coveted award.”

“In a phone conversation with the National Chairman of PNF USA, Dr. Iheanacho Orabuchi, Professor Achebe, a soft-spoken icon, expressed how elated he was about the news. He happily and wholeheartedly accepted to receive the award on May 7, 2005 in Dallas, Texas. He said he appreciates the gestures very much.”

“Also speaking for Professor Chinua Achebe, Professor Michael Mbabuike, Professor and Coordinator Africana Studies Unit/Humanities Department & The Center for Igbo Studies at Hostos Community College of the City University of New York, said, “I have been directed by Prof Chinua Achebe to write you this letter of appreciation and acceptance of the very worthy award of the year 2005 which the PNF is conferring on him. Prof Achebe is tremendously grateful and sends his warmest thanks for all you are doing for Ndi Igbo here and in the rest of the Igbo Diaspora. The award of the year means a lot to Prof.”

“It is truly our honor to confer this award. Professor Achebe truly represents the character we would like to see in everyone. He has an impeccable record.”

“Other award winners, including the coveted 2005 Diamond Leadership Award, will be announced at a later date.”

Sequel to the announcement of the Achebe’s award, the organization released a relishing pronouncement concerning the winners its “Diamond Leadership Award” and “Platinum Leadership Award”. Here are the excerpts:

“Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation USA, Inc. (PNF USA) is announcing with highest esteem the respective winners of the 2005 PNF USA Diamond Leadership Award and the 2005 PNF USA Platinum Leadership Award, Dr. Dora Nkem Akunyili and Chief Simon N. Okeke.”

“The awards, Diamond Leadership Award and the Platinum Leadership Award, are given to female and male respectively who have impeccable record in public service. It is our belief that individuals who serve the public without reproach deserve honor and celebration.”

“Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. (Mrs.) Dora Akunyili Akunyili, on behalf of Ndi Igbo in the Diaspora under the auspices of Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation (PNF USA), we congratulate you on and support you for your assiduous task to curb corruption by ensuring that legitimate drugs are administered to the citizens of Nigeria. We applaud and commend you for your personal sacrifice to improve the health of Nigerians by working hard to eliminate fake drugs from the market. In view of this fact, we want to honor you and say thank you. We, hereby, declare that you are the most deserving of the 2005 PNF USA Diamond Leadership Award.”

“Speaking for the apex political group, a stalwart of the Foundation, Ms. Felicia Mbanaja-Hadjesmali asserted that it was not surprising that Dr. Akunyili topped all nominees for the coveted award. According to her, it shows that there is a place for women in Nigerian political leadership under President Olusegun Obasanjo. She believes that Dr. Akunyili could one day be elected Nigerian President and, would certainly make a perfect choice for Vice President in 2007 should NdiIgbo not succeed in getting the plum number one post. She urges Igbo women in Nigeria and in Diaspora to attend the Pan Igbo Conference and join hands with Igbo brothers in ensuring that we do not foil our interests in 2007. More importantly, she calls on women to come to Dallas, Texas and cheer a stellar administrator, Dr. Dora Nkem Akunyili on May 7, 2005. In her words, "all roads lead to Marriott Quorum on May 6, 7, and 8 2005."

“Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Chief Simon N. Okeke, who has worked unrelentingly to implement progressive changes to improve the security of all Nigerians and correct the zonal imbalance in the Force, is the winner of the 2005 PNF USA Platinum Leadership Award. We congratulate you on and support you for your persevering task in curbing corruption, fighting crime, ensuring that the federal character is reflected in the Force and fighting to restore honor and dignity in the Nigerian Police. We applaud and commend you for your personal sacrifice to improve the security apparatus of Nigeria.”

“Chief Okeke, prior to his ascendancy to the current post, committed himself to serving humanity. Chief Okeke’s award shows that there are still men of honor and integrity among NdiIgbo. In the person of Chief Okeke, the facts speak for themselves, a successful estate manager and a product of Knight Frank and Rutley UK. He has laid the foundation for future public servants to emulate.”

Once again, congratulations!