The duo of the first civilian governor the defunct Bendel State, late Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli; and the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, were on Sarurday, honoured with posthumous awards by the Esan Hall of Fame.
Others honoured alongside the two were the Abuja based school proprietor, Mr. Kenneth Imansuagbon, two-time Speaker Edo State House of Assembly, and member who represented Esan Southeast Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Friday Itulah; and the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Marcus Onobu.
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Presenting the awards to the recipients, the Convener Esan Hall of Fame, Mr. Timothy Okojie, said that the awardees were honoured because of their contributions to the development of youths, women and the people of Esanland.
Okojie, particularly, commended Chief Anenih for providing employment and empowering youths of the area comprising the five local government areas of Esan West, Esan Central, Igueben, Esan North-eEast and Esan South-East, as well as attracting a lot of developmental projects such as roads and institutions.
On late Professor Alli, the convener said the late Professor of Morbid Anatomy and governor of old Bendel State, was posthumously honoured for the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and other infrastructural development as well as good governance.
He also noted, “Imansuagbon is honoured as the patriotic Esan man of the decade for his for philanthropic gestures.”
Chief Anenih’s son, Akaku Anenih, received the award on behalf of his late father, while that of Professor Alli’s was received by one of her daughters, Mrs.Stella Alki-Ukburebor.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Mr. Imansuagbon, thanked the organisers of the event for honouring them particularly, Chief Anenih and Professor Alli, “who both sacrificed their time and resources for the average Esan man, woman and youth.”
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