Claret Onukogu (Miss Nigeria In America) Receives An "Outstanding Nigerian Award" From The World Ebony Network

On December 12, 2009, at Howard University (Washington DC), during the launching of the book “Nigerians in Diaspora, USA (Fact Book) Volume 1”, which was written by Nollywood actor, King Joseph Okechukwu, an award ceremony was held for the individuals whose names were included in the book. I was fortunate to be one of the recipients of the award titled “Outstanding Nigerian Award.” The event was organized by the World Ebony Network and supported by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Information and Communications and the House Committee on Diaspora. The order of the book launching/ Fundraiser/ Award Ceremony went as follows:

An introduction of the book by Ezi Mecha (World Ebony Network) and King Joseph Okechukwu
Recital of the United States and Nigerian National Anthem
Opening Remarks- (Nigerian and Washington DC dignitaries)
Introduction of the hosts of the event, JC and Prince Dajour (Washington DC Radio Personalities)
Address from the Nigeria Embassy Representative (Honorable Chukwukeme)
Performances by an African dance group (Farafina), Wale (Hollywood rapper), Yvee (Comedian), Bende War Dance, Reverend Vernon Burch, Koleurz, B-Clay
Vote of Thanks by Ezi Mecha and King Joseph Okechukwu

The awards were given to the recipients in the following order:

Science and Technology
Philip Emeagwali

Business
Kase Lawal

Automobile Design
Jelani Aliyu

Government
Kyrian Nwagwu

Medicine
Dr. Nelson Oyesiku
Dr. Abdulkadir Sarki
Dr. Julius Kpaduwa

Accounting
Taiwo Pedro

Sports
Victoria Farley-Bradford A.K.A. Oluchi Ogwo
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon

Art (Music)
Abiodun Koya

Art (Movies)
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Rasak Adoti

Art (Beauty)
Claret Onukogu (Miss Nigeria In America 2009)

Security
Sylvester Okere

Mobile Clinic
Anu Esuola

Religion
Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Pastor Foluke Adeboye
James Oladipo Fadele
Pastor Bayo and Margaret Adeyokunu

I am very elated and honored to have been recognized as an “Outstanding Nigerian.” Special thanks to the World Ebony Network and King Joseph Okechukwu for contributing in making me a part of history.

In addition to receiving my award at the end of this year, I was also very fortunate to present the proposal for Project Women Education to the Margaret McNamara Scholarship Fund Committee at the World Bank in Washington DC. I also got the opportunity to meet with the assistant to the Secretary General of the United Nations at the head quarters in New York to discuss the details about the project with him. Hopefully, 2010 will come with abundant blessings for everyone. Amen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!