Ndi-Igbo in the U. S under the aegis of Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation (PNF USA) have chosen former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor-Kalu as the recipient of its “2013 Advocacy for Justice Award”.
The group in a statement made available in New York on Wednesday, said the choice of Kalu was taken at its national meeting on Aug. 18.
“Members unanimously voted to recognise Kalu with the prestigious award for his services to Ndi-Igbo globally, including our dear country, Nigeria.
“The award ceremony will be on Friday, August 30,’’ the statement signed by PNF-USA National Chairman, Mr Geoffrey Nzeadibe, National Chairman and National Secretary Mazi Felix Okereke said.
The group also added that the planned award was in acknowledgement of Kalu’s service and immense contributions to the wellbeing of Ndi-Igbo.
“We sincerely commend you and thank God that someone like you is able to emerge at these trying times for Ndi-Igbo.
“We admired your position on the recent deportation of Ndi-Igbo from Lagos.
“You were the only leader who stood with Ndi-Igbo to condemn the cruel and unconstitutional action against your people, Ndi-Igbo.
“We commend you wholeheartedly, in our eyes, you stood tall and shoulders above others, who seem to shrink in the face of adversity for Ndi-Igbo. You deserve our award.
“With this award, you have joined the ranks of Late Prof. Chinua Achebe, Chief S.N. Okeke, Senator Onyeabo Obi, and Former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who have received awards from PNF-USA on various categories,” the statement added. (NAN)
