The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Chief Ukie Ezeali, has been presented with the 2020 Philanthropic Award for his humanitarian intervention and human capital development in the state.

The award was presented to the Commissioner on Sunday during a re-orientation exercise organised by a socio-cultural group, Afikpo ‘Newdawnites’ in Afikpo, Ebonyi.

The chairman of the group, Comrade Ewa Austine, said that the interest of the group is in promoting growth, peace and unity in Afikpo North, hence the recognition of Ezeali’s efforts in that direction.

He said, “Afikpo ‘Newdawnites’ are young species of youths with the mandate of bringing light and restoring sanity among the youths, for the betterment/development of our community, Afikpo.

“We recorded massive turnout of youths during the hangout and orientation exercise, where the team addressed the youths on the need for peace and tranquillity in our community, which promotes development in a city.

“The youths were advised to channel their strength into something more productive; instead of disrupting the peace we are enjoying in our community with cultism, gangsterism and arson.

“Furthermore, we plead with some youths not to allow some power mongers to use them against their brothers and friends during the electioneering period for their own selfish interest.

“Afikpo is our own and we must join hands in making it great again,” Austin stressed.

Meanwhile in his response, Ezeali thanked the group for the humble recognition.

He dedicated the award to state Governor, Chief David Umahi.

“My appreciation goes to my boss, His Excellency Chief. Engr. David Nweze Umahi, for giving me the privilege to serve in his government and add to humanity.

“I am also grateful to Afikpo Newdawnites for the recognition of my efforts in human capacity development.

“I have always said that you don’t need to make much noise for people to recognise your contributions to development of society as your efforts will always single you out wherever you may be.

“On my part, this 2021 will be better for all of us as I promise to always do my best in adding smiles on the faces of Afikpo people in particular and Ebonyi in general.

“As I have been learning under the footsteps of my boss, Governor Umahi, we will continue bringing out the best in people of Ebonyi and doing our best for the overall development of the state under the All Progressive Congress.

Once again, I am grateful to Afikpo Newdawnites for this humble recognition and pray God to keep all of us in good health to enjoy the best of 2021,” Ezeali said.