Warri – The Warri Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to posthumously honour late Dr. Toju Eresanara, former Zonal Medical Director, Central Hospital, Warri with an award for paying the ultimate prize in the line of duty.
The Chairman of the Warri Correspondents chapel, Mr Okiemute Okpomor said this at the weekend in Warri.
Okpomor said that the award was part of the programmes lined up for the chapel’s forthcoming “2022 Annual Press Week Lecture/Award Night”.h
He further stated that ,the grand finale of the week-long event is scheduled for March 23, 2022 at the Casa de Pedro Hotel, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta.
He said that the late Consultant Anaesthetist was norminated for the award following the doggedness he exhibited in the fight against the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.
“Eresanara was a frontline medical personnel in the fight against the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic in the state. He laid down his life for others to survive the global pandemic,” he said.
Recall that Dr. Eresanara reportedly died on Wednesday July 15, 2020 following complications after testing positive for the corona virus while in the frontline saving lives.
Okpomor said that the theme of the event was: 2023 General Elections and Security.
He said that five other distinguished personalities would be awarded while nine individuals would be recognised for the exemplary performances in their respective field of human endeavours.
The chapel’s chairman said that the award was categorised into: Education, Security, Oil and Gas, Politics and Administration while the recognition category was grouped into: Media, Education and Artisanship.
“Other awardees are: Prof. Emmanuel Ogujor, Rector, Delta Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara; Matrix Energy; Dr. Michael Tidi, Chairman, Warri South Local Government Area.
“Mr Thomas Ereyitomi, member representing Warri South/North/Warri South-West Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command.
“For the recognition category: Prof. Timothy Olagbemiro, Vice Chancellor, Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo; Prof. Rim-Rukeh Akpofure, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun and Mrs Rachael Obokohwo.
“Others are: Mr Shola Adebayo, Dr. Olayinka Ebikagboro; Mr Shola O’Neil; Mr Emmanuel Amaize; Mr Emmanuel Ogoigbe and Chief Omafume Amurun,” he said.
Okpomor said that the programme would be chaired by Ambassador Godknows Igali, former Nigeria Ambassador to Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
He added that former governor of Delta, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and former Minister of State for Education, Mr Kenneth Gbagi would be the Guest Speakers.
