Jossy Nkwocha, journalist, public relations guru, and head of corporate communications, Eleme Petrochemicals, clinches the Statesman Community Award for his selfless service and outstanding contributions to community development
By DAVID LAWAL
In a gesture that seems to be a departure from the age-long saying that a prophet has no honour in his own land, Jossy Nkwocha, head of corporate communications, Eleme Petrochemicals, Port Harcourt, was among some selected sons and daughters of Imo State honoured at the weekend by the Imo State government for their outstanding contributions to the development of their various communities. Nkwocha, a distinguished journalist, chartered public relations practitioner, author and knight of the Anglican Church, was recognised with the ‘Statesman Community Award’ for his immense contributions to the development of Ngor Autonomous Community in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State. He was nominated for the prestigious award by his traditional ruler, Frederick Nwachukwu, Eze Ogboro 1, paramount ruler of Ngor autonomous community.
Describing Nkwocha as a rare personality and an icon of community development, the paramount ruler observed: “Some individuals want their communities on the map! They are selfless. They dream big for their communities and their people and they go all the way to help their communities and their people to succeed. They are icons and champions of community development, and a source of pride to their people.” He explained that the distinguished journalist was singled out by his council of chiefs, Ndi-Nze, development union, women and youths, for the special award for Nkwocha’s passion for community service, respect for elders, hard work, humility, integrity and ability to succeed against all odds.
Some of the contributions that earned Nkwocha the award, as Nwachukwu recalled, included his decision to convene the first peace summit during the tussle for the traditional throne of Ngor autonomous community and serving as chairman of the committee. The traditional ruler also disclosed that as president of Ngor Town Union, Lagos branch, Nkwocha single-handedly mobilised funds for the renovation of Ngor Central School, engineered the electrification of the community, built and donated a bungalow for priests at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ngor, and erected a giant signpost on Aba-Owerri expressway to locate Ngor community. Apart from being the motivator and inspiration for Ngor youths to embrace university education, Nkwocha also helped provide employment opportunities for indigenes of Ngor community. He has also continued to project the image of Ngor Okpala LGA at many fora.
The award was presented to Nkwocha by the wife of Rochas Okorocha, Imo State governor, at an award ceremony held at All Seasons Hotel, Owerri, the Imo State capital. An obviously exited Nkwocha said that the award has further gingered him to do more for the development of his community, state and country in general.
