PRESS RELEASE#
Imo Community Development Association, a non-governmental organization in conjunction with MTN Nigeria foundation, honoured the publisher of community Watchdog Newspaper, Comrade Precious Nwadike with a merit award, as “Media Icon of the year”.
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The founder and Director General of the foundation, Hon. Francis Obi said the award which was presented to the recipient on Saturday 24th February 2018 at Rockview Hotel, Owerri was in recognition of Comrade Nwadike’s courage, boldness and concern for the welfare of the oppressed and down trodden. “This award is also in recognition of Community Watchdog newspapers indept, and incisive reportage, based on investigative journalism, without minding whose ox is gored”.
Responding, Comrade Nwadike said, he dedicates the award to Imo Pensioners, especially, those that died as a result of hunger, and hardship, arising from the state government’s refusal to pay them their statutory entitlements, which in actual fact, is money deducted from their salaries and saved for them, while in service.
He said it is more disturbing that the pensioners got a court judgment, ordering government to pay them 100% of their entitlements without delay, yet they are still owed. He sympathized with the pensioners and wondered why one who intends to benefit from his labours should be treating elderly men and women with such disdain.
“In decent climes, pensioners are celebrated and no reasonable leader will want to endanger their lives or incur their wrath”.
Continuing, he said, a typical example of how elders should be treated can be observed in our various homes, where children ensure that their parents are well taken care of, in line with biblical injunction. “Each time I remember the plight of these elderly, sick and most times, frail looking pensioners, the torture, humiliation the endless and unnecessary verification/exercises they are subjected to, I feel like shedding tears. It is even more disgusting that inspite of all glaring evidences, governments image maker, Sam Onwuemeodo keeps lying and deceiving the public that Imo pensioners are not owed”.
Others who were also honoured at the occasion, which was presided over by Prof. Ezeanyika of the Imo State University, include, Chief Mrs. Ngozi Obiefule, member representing Isu State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chike Okafor, representing Obowo, Ihitte Uboma and Ehime in the federal House of Representatives, a notable industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Daniel Kanu, among others.
Comrade Precious Nwadike was accompanied to the award ceremony by the National President of Orluzurumee Youths Assembly, Comrade Darlington Uzoahia, President of Owerri Young Patriots, Prince Chidi Obi and the President of Abba 4th Force, Comrade Mac Donald Njoku.