By Our Reporter
The highly cerebral culture colossus and Omu Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu is set to be honoured with the Global Icon of African Heritage award on Tuesday 5th December, 2023, at the Obi Martha Dunkwu Palace in Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.
The award was initially scheduled to be received in Germany in August 2023, but she could not attend due to her annual new yam festival that clashed with the period of the award ceremony in Germany.
However, the African Diaspora mandated a team of four delegates who are already in Nigeria, to present the prestigious award to the prestigious Omu Anioma in her Palace on the 5th December, 2023, at 11am Prompt.
The Special Guest of Honour for the occasion will be Major General Raymond Ochei of the Nigerian Army, the Chairman of the Day will be the CEO of Bridge Radio Asaba, Dr. Henry Nzekwu, the Royal Father of the Day will be the Monarch of Ubulu-Uno Kingdom and 2nd Vice Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Obi Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu JP (PhD) while the Royal Mother of the Day will be the Omu of Obior, HRH Omu Onyebuchibe Okonkwo.
In a statement earlier signed and released by the CEO of Tell African Ireland, Gbemisola Bisi Taiwo Esq on behalf of African Diaspora, she stated that African Diaspora Living Legend Award was inspired by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/16 programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent.
The statement further said, “The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/69/16 in 2014, proclaiming the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) to promote the recognition, justice and development of people of African Descent worldwide. The resolution called for various activities to address the challenges faced by people of African Descent and to enhance their contributions to society.
“The African Diaspora Living Legend Award Committee has therefore the privilege and pleasure to present Omu Anioma as recipient of the 2023 award as GLOBAL. ICON OF AFRICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE, just as earlier designated. She is an exemplar who has done noble for the people of Anioma Nation, Delta State, Nigeria, Africa, the world in general and of course, the culture of our Forebears.
“On the strength of the above, we have the honour to respectfully come down to Nigeria to present this well deserved Award to our amiable Royal Mother, Her Royal Majesty, Obi Martha Dunkwu”, the statement explained.