NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA
“Human life has meaning only to that degree and as long as it is lived in the service of humanity. For humanity is infinity.”
— Prof. Wole Soyinka, The Man Died.
It was yet another moment of recognition and reflection as Hon. Barr. Ngozi Njoku (Olaedo Nwangele); a former Imo State Commissioner for Health, Women Affairs & Social Development, and the most proactive Director General of Imo Health Foundation, was gracefully honoured by Orlu Regional Assembly —ORA USA— during their 2025 Annual Convention held from Wednesday, June 25th to Saturday, June 29th, 2025, in an atmosphere of friendship, leadership, and social engagement.
The event, which brought together some of the most prominent sons and daughters of Orlu Zone, was attended by high-ranking dignitaries including a former Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Achike Udenwa (Onwa), His Royal Majesty Eze (Dr.) C. I. Ilomuanya and his Ugoeze, Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, Hon. Nwachukwu Canice Moore Chukwugozie, member representing Oru East|Orsu| Orlu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, immediate past Minister of Education for State—Rt. Hon. Goodluck Nana Opiah,— Chief Green Iheka, a former Chief of Staff to Imo State Government House—Ugwumba Uche Nwosu—Chief Sir Okey Njoku, amiable husband of Barr. Mrs. Ngozi Njoku—HRH Eze Eddie Akano, Chief Sir Chris Onwuzurike (Lord Mayor of Ekitiafor Abba), Abba Philanthropist and respected community leader—Chief Sir & Lolo Jeff Uju (Akurulo)—Chief Chris Anyiam and wife, and many others, yours sincerely, the Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters succinctly captured.
Nkwerre born politician and businessman, Chief Gibson Chigbu, who presented the award to Barr. Njoku, described her as “a quiet but constant force behind numerous medical missions that have touched lives across Orlu Zone”. According to him, the award is a token of appreciation, which recognizes her unwavering support, strategic contributions, and relentless passion for community health development.
Chief Chris Anyiam, in his remarks, highlighted that Barr. Njoku’s support began from the inception in 2008, and commended her timely intervention when there was chaos, which helped stabilize and preserve the mission’s vision. He described her as a rare gem, whose efforts have consistently bridged the gap between policy and people.
Dr. Uzo Zunegbu, outgoing President of ORA-USA, expressed the joy that Barr. Njoku was being honoured during the end of his tenure as he bowed out as president, noting that it was a defining highlight of his leadership.
Chief Gibson Chigbu, the Foundation President of ORA-USA, presented the plaque while all the past presidents of ORA-USA watched with admiration—an emotional moment that captured the admiration and deep respect held for the honouree.
ORA-USA — the Organization for the Advancement of Orlu People in the United States of America — is a respected diaspora body with 17 affiliate chapters across the U.S., and has remained instrumental in supporting medical outreach initiatives and empowering communities back home in Imo State.
Gracious in her response, Barr. Ngozi Njoku expressed deep gratitude for the honour. “I am truly humbled,” she said, “to be acknowledged by such a reputable body for simply doing what I believe in — service to humanity through charity and healthcare”.
As she boarded a flight with her husband to Canada shortly after the convention, the former Commissioner reaffirmed her commitment to continue to support initiatives that drive change and uplift the health and wellbeing of her people, both at home and in the diaspora.
Her recognition by ORA-USA further cements her legacy as a bridge between policy and people, health and hope — an enduring beacon of Nwangele pride.
