Akpan Umoh, Uyo
It was a night of glitz and glam as the curtains fell on this year’s Sun Awards event, Saturday with the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo coasting home with the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award, amidst pomp.
In a post-Award appreciation speech, Mr Ekpo said the Award meant so much to him coming from his professional group. He said in view of the significance of the award, he was minded making multiple dedications with Governor Udom Emmanuel taking the prime place.
He said he was also dedicating the award to his late wife, Martha, as well as mentors under whose tutelage he rose to prominence. He mentioned some of the mentors to include late Governors Lateef Jakande and Bisi Onabanjo; MCK Ajuluchukwu among other veteran journalists who had contributed immensely towards his professional ascendency.
In a speech that ignited that unique Akwa Ibom winning spirit, Mr Ekpo who was surrounded by a state delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, commended Sun Publications, organisers of the event. He noted that the 18th edition of the Sun Awards had lived up to the billings as a highly credible initiative that has proven to be a unifying platform for nation-building.
The Sun’s Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a nominee who is above 70 years and “has made a tremendous impact over the years in the socio-economic and political development of the country”.
The event held at the Expo Convention Centre of the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island in Lagos, was attended by the creme de la creme of the nation, a cross-section of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council as well friends and associates of Mr Ekpo.