By Douglas Princemola
Adm. (Hon.) Amb. Willie T. Chigozie Okolieogwo has received a prestigious Humanitarian Services Award from the Rotary Club of Owerri Royals in recognition of his contributions to humanitarian service, leadership and community development.
The award was presented during the colourful installation ceremony of Rotarian Constance Ijeoma Anyim, PHF, as the fifth president of the Rotary Club of Owerri Royals, held on Saturday, August 9, 2026, at Rento Hotel, New Owerri, Imo State.
The event attracted prominent personalities, including Rotarians, government officials, community leaders, professionals, family members, friends and members of the media.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Rotary Club of Owerri Royals described Adm. Okolieogwo, who currently serves as Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as a distinguished personality whose dedication to service, leadership and improving the lives of others reflects the values of Rotary.
Rotarian Constance Ijeoma Anyim, PHF, officially assumed office as the fifth president of the club, pledging to advance Rotary’s humanitarian ideals through community programmes, fellowship and service-driven initiatives.
Her emergence marks another chapter in the growth and development of the Rotary Club of Owerri Royals.
Other distinguished personalities honoured during the ceremony included Sir Daniel C. Ogu, Deputy Controller of Corrections; Sir Amb. Chima Bishop Okereke, Ekurume; High Chief (Dr.) Johnpaul Ochemba, Asina Obughi Chineke; Dr. Joachim Ibeziako Ezeji, PhD, FNIWE, KSM; and Dr. Cosmas Ekeogu, PhD.
The ceremony also featured the induction of Star Inductees, including Dr. Chidinma Okoro, Dr. Ijeoma Nwankwo and Ms. Jenny Anusiem.
Adm. Okolieogwo was accompanied to the event by several political associates and supporters who joined other guests in celebrating the recognition.
Among those present were Hon. Sir Modestus Nwamkpa, Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Print Media and Publisher of The BigTruth Newspaper; Hon. Emma Orie, former member of the Imo State House of Assembly representing Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency; and Hon. Prince Ezeala Ferdinand Akano, Special Adviser to the Governor on Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB).
Prince Akano, who is the founder of the Prince Ezeala Ferdinand Akano Foundation and President of the Global Imo State University Alumni Association, was among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.
The dignitaries described the award as a well-deserved honour, citing Adm. Okolieogwo’s dedication to public service, humanitarian efforts and community development.
Receiving the award, Adm. Okolieogwo expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of Owerri Royals for the recognition.
He dedicated the award to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma, whom he credited with giving him the opportunity to serve the people and make an impact in public service.
According to Adm. Okolieogwo, without Governor Uzodimma giving him the opportunity to serve, many people would not have known him or had the opportunity to recognise his contributions to society in the manner the Rotary Club had done.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for finding him worthy of service and providing him with a platform to contribute to the development of the state and the welfare of its people.
Adm. Okolieogwo also dedicated the award to Almighty God, whom he credited for the grace and blessings that have brought him to where he is today.
He further dedicated the honour to members of Team Willie , whom he described as the “foot soldiers of Governor Hope Uzodimma.”
He acknowledged their support, loyalty and efforts, noting that they had stood firmly by him and contributed to the work and service that earned him the recognition.
The former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Imo State chapter, said he would continue to support programmes that promote humanitarian service, community development and the welfare of the people.
He also pledged his support for the growth and advancement of Rotary activities in Imo State and Nigeria.
According to him, the recognition would inspire him to do more in contributing positively to society and supporting initiatives that create meaningful impact in communities.
The installation ceremony also provided an avenue for Rotarians, families, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the achievements of the club and welcome the new administration of Rotarian Constance Anyim.
Guests expressed confidence that the new leadership would build on the successes of previous administrations and further strengthen the club’s humanitarian activities across Imo State and beyond.
The event ended with goodwill messages and congratulations to the newly installed president, award recipients and Star Inductees, as the Rotary Club of Owerri Royals restated its dedication to honouring individuals who embody service, leadership and dedication to humanity.
