By Daniel Anokwuru
It was a day of accolades recently for a Lagos-based businessman. Traditional rulers, many from the South-East gathered in Ojo area of Lagos State to celebrate Chief Sunday Nwobodo, Chairman New Planet Resorts Limited. It was the 3rd anniversary of the hospitality outfit.
The event had in attendance traditional rulers from within and outside Lagos. In attendance were Eze Christian Nwachukwu, Eze Ndi Igbo Lagos, Igwe Harford A. Agana of Amandim Enugu State, Igwe F. O. Okafor of Eziowa Aguobu Owa, Enugu State, Chief Innocent Ndubuisi Nwankwo, Chukwu Okoye, Eze Ndi Igbo Agege. Reverend Victor Uka of St Peters Anglican Church Alaba, Eze Nnaemeka Agbo and many others.
Eze Christian Nwachukwu said Chief Nwobodo has distinguished himself, even as he applauded Nwobodo’s efforts in job creation and his contribution to the fight against crime in Lagos State.
“Chief Sunny Nwobodo has made the Igbos in Lagos proud. The Lagos State government, led by Governor Ambode, is proud of him. He invested millions of naira and gave Nigerians from all walks of life employment. We cannot do without him, so we are here to celebrate him. He does his business diligently, honestly, and carries everyone along. He is a true Nigerian. He is an investor who does not discriminate. Whether you are Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba, he is ready to give you a job.”
Igwe Nwachukwu, who came from Enugu State with his team to celebrate Chief Nwobodo, described him as a true son of Enugu State. He said the government and people of Enugu State were proud of him and assured that Nwobodo would soon visit home to invest in his native state.
Said the Igwe: “We came all the way from Enugu State to celebrate our son, Chief Sunday Nwobodo. The government of Enugu State is very proud of him. We know that soon he will also have a branch in Enugu State. He has received more than 15 awards in just one year. We are also here to honour him with a certificate of honour in appreciation of his unflinching support and special love for Enugu indigenes as a member of Coal City United Brothers. When you see the number of people on his employment, you will know that it takes courage to do such.”
Aside the showers of praises on Chief Nwobodo and the encouragement for him to do more, the event was also one of fun. Various movie and music artistes, as well as traditional dancers, were on ground to thrill fun seekers.
Some actors -Amaechi Muonago, Emeka Ani and Alex Osifo – and the musicians in attendance were full of praises for Chief Nwobodo. Music artistes at the event, where live performances were staged, include Terry G, African China, Ekwe, Zule Zu, Ruff Coin, Ras Kimono and many others. Comedians like Akpororo, Mc Danfo, Mc White and Sherri Baba also thrilled the guests.
Chief Nwobodo, while appreciating the guests, said he was happy that his efforts were being recognised in Lagos and other states of the federation. He pledged to do even more for the people.
“I appreciate all that have gathered here today to celebrate with me. I promised never to relent in doing good, as it is part of my nature. When I started receiving awards from all angles, I was astonished because I never envisaged that it would come to this level. In three years of our existence, we have done really well. We have expanded with new ideas. I am happy because a once forgotten area, where people believed business could not survive, is now the home of entertainment”.