Former Vice President of Nigeria Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Sun newspaper,Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu, Speaker of the House of Representatives,Aminu Tambuwal, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, legal icons,Afe Babalola and Femi Falana. FRSC boss Osita Chidoka and Bank of Industry boss,Evelyn Oputu were the celebrated Nigerian leaders of industry and democracy who congratulated Chief (Sir) Emma Bishop Okonkwo, OFR as one of the winners of the Sun Man of the Year Awards on February 23, 2013 at Eko Hotels & Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos.

The red carpet reception was one like no other. The evening was serene and held a lot of promises-promises of elegance and sparkle. It was the annual Sun newspaper Award but this year’s edition will remain etched on the memories of those who attended the event. The star studded red card reception gave an inkling of the majesty of the event. And this was because the reception had the Ekulo touch. Guests were treated to choice drinks and wines from the stable of Ekulo group.The staff and management of Ekulo Wine Shop was at the beck and call of every guest.Ekulo’s Vintage brands like Laurent Perrier Champagne and Cristalino Brut were handy. Of course, guests could not resist the wines’inherent goodness hence many opted for them. At the Sun Awards,Ekulo was gender-friendy.Every female guest was given two goodie bags of soaps; one bag contained all the variants of Eva complexion soaps while the other contained the yet to be unveiled variants of Meditol medicated and antiseptic soaps.

Essentially,Ekulo showcased itself at the event because it was involved. The business giant was involved because its Chairman, Chief (Sir) Emma Bishop Okonkwo, OFR was also involved.Okonkwo was one of the Awardees. He was one of the recipients of the prestigious SunAward. The boss of Ekulo group was both humbled and taken aback by his choice. And he told the organizers of the event, Publishers of Sun newspapers so. He wondered aloud what qualified him to be chosen by the publication as one of the recipients of the Award.

According to him, if posting good financial returns was the yardstick, he was not qualified. But the management of the newspaper assured him that his choice was anchored on his consistency of over three decades. An elated Okonkwo used the opportunity to thank his parents for instilling discipline in him. He also gave thumbed up to his loyal customers who over time never lost faith in his choice goods and products. The Ekulo group was full of appreciation for the management and staff of Ekulo group for dedication.He also had elegant words for his family members in his Ichi.Anambra State home town.Above all,Okonkwo described in flowery terms, the queen of his heart,Ngozi,a loving wife who has over the years stood behind him like the rock of Gibraltar.

The hall was packed full with dignitaries. Among them was former Vice president Atiku Abubakar who was Chairman of the event. Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom state who was last years’ Sun Man of the Year. Another Sun Man of the Year who graced the occasion was the Speaker of the House of Representatives,Aminu Tambuwal.Publisher of the Sun newspaper,Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu also graced the event so also were legal icons,Afe Babalola and Femi Falana.FRSC boss,Osita Chidoka and Bank of Industry boss,Evelyn Oputu also attended. From the entertainment industry came Tee Mac ,Kanayo O Kanayo among others.

Top industrialists were also there to identify with one of their own,Emma Bishop Okonkwo.They include,Sir Tony Ezenna,Chief Joe Obijiaku,Pharmacist Sam Ubachukwu, Chief Chidi Obi, Chief Francis Chukwu dubelu,Sir Emmanuel Umuohia,Chief Jonathan Okafor and Okpurusi IG Odunukwe.Brother of the Awardee,Chief Sam Okonkwo also came to solidarise with his brother.

Top managements of Ekulo group led by the General Manager,Joseph Okonkwo were on hand to felicitate with their boss.Apart from Joseph others present include,Marketing Manager,Emeka Oramadike,Head sales and Marketing,Pawan Mougdil, Accountant, Chibuzo Nnaebue,General Manager of Evans industries,Dan Nwiwu and Quality Control Manager,Gbenga Adepoju.

After the Award ceremony, the Ekulo boss treated a select friends to a classy, lavish reception at an upscale lounge,DE MARQUEE located at the Penthouse of Mega Plaza.Among the Awardees’ friends who stormed DE MARQUEE were Willie Anumudu,Leo Stan Eke,Chidi Anyaegbu and Mike Ajaegbo.

~ By Mr. Ingram Adichie Osigwe

More photos of the celebrities at the event.

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See all 51 photographs of the event on http://totnaija..com/2013/03/when-sun-shines-on-okonkwo.html