The Senator representing Imo West at the National Assembly, Owelle Rochas Okorochas has bagged the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) ICON of Service and Philanthropy award on Monday in Abuja.
The award was bestowed on him by the FCT Council of the NUJ to herald his 59th birthday.
However, Senator Okorocha dedicated the award to the indigent children in Nigeria.
While engaging journalists, the chairman Senate Committee on Culture & Tourism’s said despite his humble background he was able to gain access to education and that is why he is what he is today so Nigerian children no matter their backgrounds deserve the best education.
While fielding questions from journalists after the presentation of the award, Okorochas said he is the kind of person that is mostly misunderstood by many, perhaps because he is blunt and that he does not celebrate himself.
He said, “As the governor of Imo state, I had over 1000 projects but in my nature, I don’t believe in commissioning projects because the money you will spend in commissioning projects can be used to develop other areas in the state.
On the way forward for Nigeria, Sen. Okorocha said, until a majority of Nigerians imbibe the spirit of patriotism nothing can work in the country. He added that National Spirit is lacking in Nigeria. Therefore, he advised that the earlier Nigerians take the country first the better for every citizen.
Meanwhile, the chairman of FCT NUJ, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche eulogized the former governor of Imo state for giving life to indigent Nigerians through his foundation scholarship, saying that ordinarily most of those children wouldn’t have had the privilege to be educated if not for him.
Ogbeche noted that the union is glad to associate with people like him who do not only care for themselves and their families but others.
“You are giving life to so many children in Nigeria, those children who ordinarily would have been on the street causing havoc here and there. We decided to honour you with ICON of Service and Philanthropy and we hope after today Nigerians will get to understand the person of Owelle Rochas Okorocha, “he said.
