The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has concluded plans to bestow meritorious services awards on five prominent citizens that have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour and rendering selfless services to humanity.
“Those to be honoured for distinguished work/service to humanity included: His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi; Justice Ngozi Umeh (rtd); Chief George Muoghalu; Bishop E.C. Obiora and Nze Emeka Umeagbalasi,” the Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, said.
Ezekwueme told newsmen in Enugu on Monday that the awards would be bestowed on Sunday, Dec. 10, being the day the United Nations had set aside for commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
It would be recalled that the United Nations set aside Dec. 10 every year in commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) instituted on Dec.10, 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly.
The CLO boss said that they were nominated based on meritorious services, impeccable character and integrity, patriotism, uprightness and selflessness.
According to him, the event will be under the distinguished chairmanship of Bishop Moses Ezedebego, Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Anambra State Branch.
He noted that the award winning and outstanding DPO Central Police Division in Onitsha, CSP Rabiu Garuba, would deliver the UDHR @75th lecture with the theme: “The Roles of Civil Society Organizations in Nation Building”.
He said: “The United Nations in her unique wisdom instituted UDHR in 1948 for promotion and protection of Human Rights and celebrating efforts and achievements of UDHR globally, socioeconomic justice, good governance and egalitarian society irrespective of tribe, religion, statue or clan cleavages.
“His Excellencies Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo and former Gov Peter Obi are Chief Guests of honour.
“Among other prominent Nigerians expected included: Sen. Victor Umeh, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Publisher of Realnews Magazine, Chief Maureen Chigbo, Sen. Tony Nwoye, Bishop Owen Nwokolo, Chief Val Ozigbo and other human rights activist and National President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr Joe Odumakin, among others.”
Ezekwueme noted that the hallmark of the event would be bestowing “Distinguished Beacon of Democracy” on His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, and “Human Rights Personality of the Year” on Hon. Justice Ngozi Umeh (rtd).
“Human Rights Ambassadors Awards” on Chief George Muoghalu and Bishop E.C.Obiora, whereas “Human Rights Defender” will be bestowed on human rights activist, criminologist and social crusader, Nze Emeka Umeagbalasi.
“2023 UDHR Campaign is celebrating the anniversary by calling on all of us to stand for human rights and commit to making the principles of the UDHR a reality in our daily life and activities,” he added.
