By Ngozi Nwoke
For Chief Eric Umeofia, it was a special day. It was a day he celebrated the award of Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) conferred by former President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
Friends and family were among the prominent personalities that made the event memorable with their presence even as they hailed Umeofia for yet another achievement.
Umeofia, who is the chief executive officer of Erisco Food Limited, was rewarded in recognition of his remarkable impact on grassroots development and immense contribution to the growth of entrepreneurship in the country.
The Nigerian National Order of Merit Award was instituted by the Federal Government of Nigeria to recognize and honour productive individuals and organisations in the country for achievements made in the preceding years.
With this conferment, Umeofia joins the list of exceptional individuals, who have contributed to nation building and humanity growth.
Speaking at the event, wife of the arwardee, Mrs. Nmachukwu Umeofia, said the award was a confirmation of her husband’s sterling qualities, which have endeared him to all and sundry.
She said: “From the atmosphere today, you could tell that joy and jubilation is what we feel. All we can give is gratitude. Nothing can be compared to being recognised and encouraged for good work. For all the contributions my husband has made, I can only say this celebration is called for.”
Mrs. Kayte Ikhinmwin, president of Ogudu G.R.A Residents Association, thanked the Federal Government for the “well-deserved” award and described Umeofia’s philanthropic gestures as a life-saver.
She said: “The celebrant is a man of good virtue. He is kind-hearted, transparent, helpful and highly supportive. He is a philanthropist that emerged when the world needed him. We are grateful to God for giving us such a noble personality.
“He exhibits integrity and prudence in all his doings. He is a very determined man, who wants to succeed and make Nigeria great. My first time to experience his generosity was his renovation of the estate hall in Ogudu G.R.A. which still remains significant to all residents in the estate. We didn’t have money to carryout the project, but he took up the task and within three days of contacting him via a phone call, he supported us hugely.
“I have also heard testimonials about his philanthropy to his kindred. I have spoken to beneficiaries of his kind gesture and they all affirmed the same. It takes a kind-hearted man to bear the financial burden of people who are not related to him. For these, I wish him well. I wish to see him live a healthy and long life to fulfill his purpose on earth.”
Elder. Plus Daniel, Manager, Erisco Food Limited, stated that the celebration was worthy of an honourable man,
.He said: “We are all gathered here to felicitate with a man of goodwill; a man with a heart to help people. He doesn’t help financially because he has so much of it, despite that he is successful. He assists because he is a kind man. “God has blessed him and we are here to also testify to God’s grace and abundance in his life. There are lots of people who are wealthier than him, but they can’t support the needy.
“I pray for good health, long life and protection upon him and his entire family. You can be successful, but without good health, you can’t enjoy your success. So, my first prayer for him is good health.”
Mr. David Oguntoye, a close neighbour to the celebrant also said: “I am delighted to be among the special guests for this special occasion in honour of a good neighbour. He is peaceful, cheerful, friendly and hospitable. Within the estate, he is known as a man of positive change. I congratulate him on his national award and wish him more of suchlike.”
Umeofia thanked the Federal Government and pledged to make more contributions towards nation building and grassroots development.
He said: “It is not by my making as human, but God’s making. I couldn’t have done all of these without the grace of God almighty. My wonderful wife and family also palyed a vital role to my growth and success. For these, I return all the glory and thanks to God.
“For the national recognition by the Federal Government, I sincerely express my gratitude and pledge to be steadfast in my input to the growth of entrepreneurship and human capacity development.
“My philanthropic activities can be attributed to my father who was an active philanthropist during his time. Right from childhood, he taught us how to help people and till date that willingness to help people has been part of me. I don’t go a day without offering one assistance to someone. It doesn’t have to be about giving money. There are many ways I offer assistance and it gives me peace of mind and a sense of fulfilment.”