Glamour, Glitz, Razzmatazz As Champion Newspaper Celebrates Zulum, Marwa, Eze Ihenetu, Elumelu & 21 Other Prominent Nigerians

NaJOKU MMACDONALD OBINNA

Last weekend, Friday, June 3, 2022, a leading Nigerian tabloid, Champion Newspapers Publishing Limited, made yet another big statement in the print media landscape. It was a very remarkable day; an epoch-making event, as the national newspaper celebrated 25 shinning stars and eminent Nigerians at the 2021 Edition of Champion Newspapers’ Annual Awards|Recognitions.

The watershed event, which has over the years become one of the biggest media events in Nigeria nay Africa, given the pace Champion Newspapers had set in the industry, celebrated 25 eminient Nigerians, who have remarkably distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour.

On that special day, the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State, venue of the event, was filled to the brim with prominent Nigerians from all walks of life. No doubt, it was a gathering of the creme da la creme of the Nigerian society.

Governors, State and Federal legislators, captains of industry, business moguls, politicians across partylines, entertainment gurus, traditional rulers, members of the Ivory Tower, among others, were in attendance. And the paraphernalia of some of Lagos State Government officials were also spotted. The venue of the event, Eko Hotels and Suites, underscores the importance of such prestigious Annual Awards.

Members of the political families of the duo of His Excellency, Dr. Babagana Zulum, Borono State Governor and former Kano State governor, Sen. Kwankwaso Rabi’u Musa, left the North and relocated to Lagos State for this particular memorable annual event.

While other dignatries had seated at the venue in the cool of the evening, majestically walking down to the venue of the watershed event was the Champion Newspapers’ Most Outstanding Diasporan Personality of the Year 2021′ , His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu (Ezeigbo Ghana, Global Peace Ambassador), alongside Imo born Ghana-based  billionaire business mogul,  High Chief Dr. Okwudill Nwandu (Akunaeshi Obi Ike 1 of Mbaise) and other members of his entourage.

The Diasporan Monarch, HRM Eze Dr. Ihenetu, who was exceptionally and lavishly dressed in Ghanaian Kente royal apparel of the Ashanti and Ewe ethnic groups; made of handwoven cloth, strip of silk and cotton in a toga- like fashion, became the cynosure of all eyes as he was adorned with 24 karat pure gold.

From the luxurious Hotel Lilygate, Lekki Phase 1, to Lagos Continental Hotels  and down to Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State, both distant and close onlookers were trying so hard to figure out where the imaginary Zulu Ambassador or Ethiopian King was heading to.

According to the Publishers, the processes leading to the emergence of His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, as winner of Champion Newspapers ‘2021 Most Outstanding Diaspora Personality of the Year, is perhaps the most rigorous considering the fact that many of the contenders to this coveted award were adjudged qualified in their various considerations. But the many sterling qualities of Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu could not be ignored. His investments across regions, religions and nations. His socio cultural engagements, humanitarian activities, adequate representation of Nigerians in foreign lands and organising the most celebrated and biggest cultural festival in Ghana; Igbo New Yam festival. These and many more, according to Champion Newspapers, made earned him the award as the Most Outstanding Diaspora Personality of the Year 2021 and a Special Brand Ambassador. No doubt, Ezeigbo Ghana; a rare gem, who exudes class and luxury, is also an epitome of humility and charity.

Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri, PhD (Law), BL, FHR, a former Dean, Faculty of law, Imo State University, Owerri: and a former Imo Commissioner for Information, put it right when he posited:
“Eze Igbo Ghana is a worthy cultural Ambassador with fantastic razzmatazz.

The fair complexioned guy got class, elan, panache.
His bedecked frame with pure gold jewellery and ornaments added to his unimpeachable satorial elegance”.

Njoku Macdonald Obinna, Imo born Media Consultant, PR-Expert and Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters, who also covered the event, authoritatively gathered that the conferment of the award on Ezeigbo Ghana, HRM Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, by Champion Newspapers, was a product of the painstaking selection of the premier news tabloid’s Board of Editors, which is one of the continuous but modest ways of recognizing leaders in both private and public sectors as well as in politics as they have paid greater sacrifices in ensuring that the objectives and ideas of our nationhood are sustained while promoting good corporate governance thus, growing Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape.

Taking a deeper reflection of the event, its venue and settings, it was indeed an evening of social conviviality, sharing of pleasantries and compliments. To some, sharing of complimentary cards and  exhange of contacts.

The hall was exquisitely decorated in red and white colors and with bouquet of beautiful flowers. The champion touch of hospitality was evident as the various tables were decorated with exotic wines while sumptuous buffet was awaiting  the guests. The beautifully dressed and well composed guests did not look ordinary but very rich and stunning.

The stage and light effects were world class. The event was simply engaging and fun as Kcee Limpopo, an award  receipent of the ‘Entertainment Icon of the Year’,  thrilled the guests with his mind-blowing musical group.

As usual, the writer and his Media Team spotted array of automobiles, ranging from the lastest sports cars to SUVs that flooded the car parks, which was a pointer to the fact that an unusual event was taking place at the ever busy hotel located at the heart of Lagos highbrow area; Victoria Island.

It was indeed a night of glitz, glamour, excellence and honour. Although it was a night event, but many people stayed put until Ezeigbo Ghana was ushered to the stage in his full glory and splendour given his exceptional Ethiopian and Ghanian apparel. From a historical traceable descendant with the lengendary King Jaja of Opopo, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu (EzeIgbo Ghana, Global Peace Ambassador) has successfully warmed his way into the Nigeria’s socioeconomic and leadership discuss as he is also invited to the South East Stakeholders’ Meeting for Igbo Presidency in Abuja alongside Sen. Pius Anyiam, Gov. Dave Umahi of  Ebonyi State, Sen. Chris Ngige, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, HRM, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Sen. Chris Anyanwu, among promenient Igbo leaders.

The Champion Newspapers’ Awards, which is a pacesetter in the Nigeria’s media landscape,  had successfully held over the years in the past and it remains unstoppable.

The people that were honoured at the event included the Borno StateGovernor, Babagana Zulum, Kano State former governor, Sen. Kwankwaso Rabi’u Musa, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, HRM, Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, Chief Dr. Emeka Okonkwo, Chief Dr. Ned Nwoko, Zenith Bank, etc.

The duo of Dr. Dakuku Peterside, immediate past Director General of NIMASA and Pst. Tonye Cole, Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 general elections, were also in attendance.  

High Chief Dr. Okwudill Nwandu (Akunaeshi Obi Ike 1 of Mbaise), Nze Obinna Akwiwu (Oshimiri lll of Abba),  Chief Dan Chima, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoroigwe, were also among the important dignatries spotted at the watershed event by this reporter.

Njoku Macdonald Obinna, 

Media Consultant|PR-Expert, 

Publisher, 4th Estate Reporters.