AV "Man of the year award 2021" Nominee #3

Elder Joseph Okonkwo Chukwuezugo Ugwuodo

Joseph Okonkwo Chukwuezugo Ugwuodo is an incredible role model who has, in so many

occasions, shown his love for our community, not just as a reputable public servant which was

his job, but as a walking encyclopedia of the history, culture and traditions of our people.

He is a strong advocate for the sustenance and preservation of our culture and traditions, who

has made a remarkable impact on the cultural ethos of Okunano Land, and has led by example in

all he has done.

Joseph Okonkwo Ugwuodo has successfully raised the profile of the Culture and traditions of

our land and has worked hard to see to the preservation of same by putting them into writings.

He has written "The History of Amechi-Uwani" , "The Culture and Traditions of Okunano

People of Ntuegbenese Clan", and most recently, " The History of St John's Methodist church,

Amechi-Uwani Okunano, from 1921 to 2021" (yet to be launched) which are remarkable efforts

in making sure that our history is preserved.

He has taken the role as one of the ambassadors/consultants on Culture and Traditions of our land, co-presenting the cultural program, "Nkanu ogbuzuru ogbuzuru" on radio.

Providing our generation and the generations

unborn with valuable/reliable reference materials for writing, education and documentation

purposes.

In this role, as well as in leadership, he has shown initiative and made a tangible

impacts.

He is one of a kind, whom by sheer determination, acquired many academic qualifications.

He has epitomized that one does not necessarily has to be born with a silver spoon before

he achieves something of repute, but that through utter determination, dint of hardwork and

unabashed passion for whatever one can lay his hands on, that success awaits him.

Against all odds, he has attained an enviable height which required moral courage, vision and

determination. In this regards, we can call him "Nwokuku thichàtarú onwe eaya".

Joe is a very resourceful and inspirational personality who between 1973 to 2016, rose from

being just a driver, photographer, classroom teacher to a Director of Personnel Management in

the Local Government System.

He has earned the respect of his peers and has become a role model for the entire community,

it is as a result of all these achievements and his passion for the progress of his community,

that we have nominated him as one of the contestants for Awkunanaw Man of the year award, in other to celebrate his

vision, creativity and his immense contributions to His community.

His oratory skills and knowledge of the culture and traditions of our people are top notch, which

he has used judiciously in the settlement of disputes, in teaching and in the mentoring of the

younger generation.

He certainly has set a fine example of reliability, creativity and commitment.

Joe Ugwuodo does not hold back whenever he is called upon to serve his people in whatever

capacity.

Born to Ogbuzuru Daniel Ugwuodo and Oshimanu Amaechi Ugwuodo(Nee Nnamchi Nnamani

Nwaga) of Umuedeachi, Amechi-Uwani Okunano.

Joseph Okonkwo Ugwuodo is, without question, a most deserving recipient of the Honour and

Recognition we wish to accord him.

It is with extreme pleasure, that we all as a people, have nominated him here, to be celebrated by you umu Okunano Osagwede, who are the first beneficiaries of his dedicated achievements.