AWKA, Nigeria – As the Stanel Event Centre in Awka prepared to host the Anambra Man of the Year Awards scheduled for July 1, 2023, the Anambra State Government raised concerns about the nomenclature of the awards, alleging potential confusion among the general public.
On Sunday, June 25, 2023, Christian Aburime, the press secretary to the governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, released a statement clarifying the State Government’s dissociation from the awards.
He mentioned that the government had received numerous queries from individuals assuming government association with the awards.
“We respect free speech,” said Aburime. “But the title of such awards or recognitions must not leave anyone in doubt that such represent the personal/subjective opinions of the awarding group or NGO.”
The government’s statement also drew attention to the distinction between how reputable newspapers and organizations title their “man of the year” awards, ensuring they don’t mislead people into thinking they are akin to Nigeria’s National Honours.
In response to the government’s concerns, the Anambra Man of the Year Awards planning committee announced the event’s postponement.
The chairman of the planning committee, Engr Dr Uchenna Ufoaroh, emphasised that the organizers never intended to create an impression of government sponsorship or association.
“The usage of the name ‘Anambra’ by Anambrarians to promote positive causes in the State is not peculiar to the Anambra Man of the Year Awards,” said Ufoaroh in a statement delivered to The Trent on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. “This is our way to contribute to the growth of Anambra and begin to restore its pride in the committee of states.”
The committee acknowledged the postponement’s inconvenience and expressed regret while reaffirming their commitment to engage the Anambra State Government and communicate a new date for the event.
The Anambra Man of the Year Awards, now in its third edition, is a community-centred initiative aiming to inspire social transformation.
Past recipients of the awards include prominent Anambrarians such as Chief Dr Alexander Chika Okafor and Mr Valentine Ozigbo.
As the organizers and the government engage in discussions, the citizens of Anambra await the resolution and rescheduling of the awards with keen interest, hoping for clarity and harmony in recognizing the achievements of the Anambra community.
