The Nigerian community in the United States has bestowed a special honour to its leader, Dr. Acho Orabuchi with a Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion of his roasting and special honors.
The event took place recently at the Dallas/Addison Marriott Quorum by the Galleria, Dallas Parkway in Dallas, Texas.
Many Nigerians from across United States and in Nigeria were there to pay special tribute to Orabuchi for his personal and professional accomplishments.
Amb. Geoffrey Teneilabe, Consul-General of Nigeria in Atlanta, Georgia said that “the honour does not come as a surprise to me having observed the activities of Dr. Orabuchi for nearly three years of my stay in the United States.
“In addition, he has also guided many Nigerians on the pathway to better careers. An outstanding educationist, his contribution to the teaching profession and to the education of young minds has been recognized on several occasions.
“ His belief in the culture of his people has found expression in his attempt to ensure that Nigeria receives good exposure any time the occasion calls for it in his school.
“His character as a Nigerian, is to say the lease, exemplary and worthy of emulation.”
In his captivating remarks, Chief Longers Anyanwu, Chairman, Imo State Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), extolled Orabuchi for his good virtues, including his professional accomplishments.
He encouraged Orabuchi to continue to defend and protect the image of the country.
Chief Longers also urged Amb. Teneilabe to recommend Orabuchi for a National Honor, stressing that “if Orabuchi can be recognized in the United States, that he deserved a national honour.
“Nigeria needs to honour Orabuchi and Amb. Teneilabe will take that up.”
Nze Elvis Agukwe, National Coordinator, South-East Amalgamation for Jonathan/Sambo 2015, commended Orabuchi’s achievement as an educationist per excellence.
“You have always represented the Igbo spirit of excellence and remained a credible voice both at home and in the U.S.
“This is just the beginning of greater things that are coming your way and we are never surprised because you stand for hard work, commitment and dedication.
“As we move towards 2015, it is our hope that you will help to galvanize support of Nigerians, particularly Ndigbo for President Jonathan’s re-election in 2015,” Agukwe said.
The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu (CFR), in his goodwill message, said that “this is indeed a well-deserved honour to a Nigerian who truly represents the rich treasures of the Nigerian Diaspora communities.
“Although you are thousands of miles away from home, you are still very much abreast of developments at home.
“Your passion for the nation and her people are so tremendous. Your regular newspaper column, “Views from America’’ has helped tremendously in telling the true Nigerian story, mobilizing our Diaspora resources for national development, and gingering compatriots at home for nation building.
“Your fearlessness in defense of truth and justice stands you out.’’
Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (CON), Deputy Speaker of the House, also congratulated Orabuchi for being such a fine example of the true nature of the nation’s people in the Diaspora.
“Indeed, you have been a shining light whose reflections continue to be seen far and near. Your noble efforts in the academia cannot be overemphasized.
“Score of people have benefited immensely from your scholarly work and mentorship undertakings. As a career coach and educationist, you have reposed ingenious ideas and led people to the light in their choice of vocation.
“In all of this, you have not failed in showcasing your rich African heritage which has stood you out amongst your contemporaries.
“I am proud to be associated with you and consider you a great national asset whilst I encourage you to continue projecting the image of our dear nation Nigeria,” he said.
Also Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, former governor of Imo State commended the recipient for the honour done on him by the entire Nigerian Community in the United States for your meritorious services to mankind.
“The honour is well-deserved in view of your outstanding qualities and accomplishments. You are pragmatic, honest, courageous, selfless, detribalized intellectual, accomplished educator and above all, Godly.
“The unbiased testimony of the entire Nigerian citizens in the United States is a proof that you are a good ambassador of Nigeria.
“As a devoted friend and brother, you refused to join the bandwagon of destructive criticism during the avalanche of propaganda in Imo State during my tenure as the Governor of the State.
“You stood by the truth based on proper reasoning and investigation. As an opinion writer, you gave voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless through your articles.
“You have proved your patriotism by ardently supporting the transformational agenda of the present administration in Nigeria.”
Mr Joe Nze Eto, Chairman, World Igbo Congress (WIC), on behalf of the group congratulated Orabuchi for an excellent community service record and a humbling family profile.
“Dr. Orabuchi is the current Media Director for World Igbo Congress, and has excelled in WIC’s objective to share widely her projects, advocacy for the Igbo project, and pathways to restore Igbo dignity.
“We congratulate Orabuchi on this historic honour to be celebrated by his peers, community and friends. May he continue to be a luminary icon, a pace setter, and the embodiment of dignity in his relentless search for the truth.”
In his remarks, Orabuchi thanked God for His blessings saying: “I thank friends, colleagues, and well-wishers from various parts of the country for making time out of their busy schedule to share this moment with me.
“It is really not out of serendipity that we are here tonight, but out of shared values. Thus, it is with a great and unimaginable sense of humility and excitement that I express my sincere gratitude to the Nigerian community, who thought I deserved this immense honor.
“I am thankful to the general committee members and those who conceived the idea of honoring me. I am indebted to the sponsors who donated freely and generously to ensure that tonight is possible.
“It would be remiss not to acknowledge the Planning Committee members, Sir Iyke Ginigeme, Chief Johnson Ihemeremadu, Hon. Ngozi Echebelem, Hon. Emmanuel Ibe, and Prof. Charles Mambula among others.’’
