Bishop Obinna awards Ohakim honour seven years after fighting him

www.odogwublog.com reports that seven years after he led an onslaught against the second term bid of former Governor of Imo State, Dr Ikedi Ohakim, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Reverend Anthony Obinna yesterday presented him an outstanding award for his contributions to the improvement of education in the State.

Archbishop Obinna had led an onslaught against Ohakim for allegedly assaulting a priest while serving as Governor, but has since been proved as untrue and a calculated campaign by his opponents to stop his second term bid.

The event held at the Owerri chapter of Protea Hotel, the Imo State capital.

Archbishop Obinna said Ohakim while serving as the Governor of the State, returned 44 missionary schools back to the Church, adding that the action has led to a reduction in corruption in schools as well as the eradication of cultism.

Dr Obinna said "in 2010, Dr Ohakim handed back 44 schools to the Church, he was the first in the entire South East to do so. And am happy to inform you that we did not just take them back, we have built new ones. And since then, cultism in Holy Ghost College has gone. The Church has restored the pride of the mission schools".

Ohakim was conferred with the award of 2018 for very outstanding contribution to education through the return of mission schools.

According to fiery cleric, efforts are being intensified for the creation of Assumpta University and to ensure that students in the schools receive first class access to education.

The former Governor, Ohakim while receiving his award said it was the first he accepted after leaving office in 2011 even as he commended his then Commissioner for Education, Professor Jude Njoku for facilitating the process.

Ohakim said " am happy we are now talking about quality and appreciates our efforts. I will partner with the Church and adopt one or two schools. And if God grants my request, you will have no problems upgrading the schools to first century schools ".

Further, he disclosed that the Ohakim Foundation awards scholarship to 160 students every year, and expressed appreciation to the Church for the honour which he described as a " most special award ".

Chairman of the Catholic Arch dioceses of Owerri cocktail and award ceremony, Dr Pascal Dozie said it was an event set aside to appreciate those who have helped to develop education in the mission schools.

Others who received awards include former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi; former
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; former Interior Minister, Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho; former Education Minister, Prof Viola Onwuliri; Arch Wellington Okam; and former Chairman of National Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr Sam Amadi.