Entrepreneur honoured for contributions to community devt

Okoye and members of Unique Fellows All Nations Club

A renowned entrepreneur and the Executive Chairman of Grape Tree International Limited, makers of Diplomat Toothpaste, Chief Cyril Okoye, has been honoured as the Patron of Unique Fellows All Nations Club, Awka, in recognition of his contributions to humanitarian and community development.

Okoye, who hails from Adazi-Ani in the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, received the honour for what the club described as his “sustained philanthropic interventions and commitment to improving the welfare of people in his community and beyond”.

The honour was conferred on him during the installation of Sir Gabriel Moneke, as the seventh Mayor of Unique Fellows All Nations Club, Awka, at the club’s investiture ceremony held at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Okoye expressed appreciation to the club for the recognition and commended the leadership of the newly-installed Mayor for what he described as a commendable leadership approach.

He said, “I am very delighted with what has happened here today. I am also delighted with the leadership style of the newly installed Mayor, Sir Moneke, and I wish him and his executive members well as they commence piloting the affairs of the club for the next three years.

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“I have received several recognitions for philanthropic activities at both the local and national levels, but this latest honour is particularly significant because it came from an organisation comprising professionals drawn from different sectors of the economy.”

Okoye pledged to sustain his commitment to giving back to society and supporting initiatives capable of improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The philanthropist also called on other affluent Nigerians to contribute to national development irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional affiliations.

“We all have a responsibility to give back to society. Regardless of our tribe, ethnicity or religious affiliation, we should support efforts that will make Nigeria a better place for everyone,” he added.