For optometrists, the vision is clear: the Principal Secretary to the Imo State Governor, Dr. Paschal Obi, who is also an optometrist, deserves honour.

 

Noting Obi’s philanthropy and contributions to the profession, the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) presented him with a commendation award. The event attracted the crème de la crème of the society.

 

The venue of the event, the Hum Event Centre in Rivers State was filled to capacity, as well wishers travelled from far and near to share the moment with the obviously elated Obi, who was flanked by immediate family members.

 

Presenting the award which coincided with the NOA’s 40th Conference and Expo 2016, the National President of the professional body, Dr. Demian Echendu said that Dr. Obi, former Acting Director of Public/Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health, Imo State, has distinguished himself as a man with genuine love and commitment to the well-being of the association in the country.

 

Echendu added that the award is only a token of the appreciation of his contributions in stabilising the body, adding that Dr Obi has distinguished himself as a worthy ambassador of NOA.

 

He said, “Today is our award night and we use it to recognise those who have contributed immensely to the growth of our profession which Dr. Paschal Obi happens to be one of them.

 

“It is on record that Dr. Obi was the first Optometrist to be recruited into Imo State civil service and equally spare-headed the struggle to bring in his colleagues into the civil service. So today we felt, it is most worthy for us to recognize him for his immense contributions to the association. Therefore, this award is an appreciation award in recognition of the immense work he has done for the association and the humanity”.

 

In his response, Dr. Obi expressed gratitude to the association for finding him worthy for such honour and reiterated his commitment to continuously contribute his quota to the overall growth and development of the Association in Nigeria.

 

The elated recipient assured that the award will motivate him in no small measure to remain undaunted as a role model to his fellow professional colleagues, civil servants, and young Nigerians as well as to continually render selfless services to the betterment of mankind.

 

He said, “I can say that this award is a very unique one. Unique in the sense that it came from the association I cherish so much. My professional body, the Nigerian Optometric Association.

 

“I will not say that I am surprised to be honoured by this unique association because I do know that at any point in time, all that occupy my mind is what I will do to uplift the Optometric Association and I have not relented in doing that”.

 

Obi who is also the founder and financier of Equity Foundation finally admonished the Optometric students and young Nigerians to remain focused on their studies and goals in life, adding that there is no easy way to success in life if not through personal determination and commitment”.

 

Commenting on the Award, Mr. Kennedy Amanze, commended the Association for their diligence in noting the contributions of the recipient towards the development of the body and humanity at large.

 

He further described the Award as well deserved and inspiring, adding that Dr Obi is a renowned community leader whose propensity for service to God and humanity is unequalled.

 

Amanze who is a Director of Information at the Imo Government House, added further that with the award, “Dr Obi will no doubt re-dedicate himself to greater service to humanity”.

 

Commenting on the Award also, Uchenna A. Mgbenani, Director, Administration and Finance, Government House, described the recipient as ”a man of quintessential excellence” who has excelled in driving the administrative machinery of the Rescue Mission administration of Governor Rochas Okorocha.

 

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ideato North Council Area, Nze Luke Ekweme , described Dr. Obi as a man of many parts, adding that “the Award is a testimony of his outstanding leadership qualities.

 

Also, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ideato North Local Government Area, Mrs. Ijeoma Oriezuo, confirmed that “Dr Obi has been steadfast in upholding the tenets of his profession and as such merited the award”