…describes the COOU Award as motivation to deepen his commitment to service.
Igbariam, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that a prestigious COOU Award has been conferred on prominent individuals including Nkpor market leader and senior police officers as part of recognition for leadership, philanthropy and contributions to national development.
The Faculty of Arts of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University honoured Chairman of New Auto Spare Parts Market Nkpor, Chief Stephen Ofoleh, alongside Assistant Inspector General of Police Abayomi Oladapo and other notable personalities during its 6th International Conference at the Igbariam campus.
Other recipients of the COOU Award included Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi (Ochiagha Idemili), Lamido Foundation and Obiukwu Foundation, recognised for outstanding service and community impact.
The conference, themed “Arts/Humanities, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnological and Human Enhancement in Nation Building,” attracted academics, policy experts and community leaders.
Chief Ofoleh and four other awardees emerged from about 20 nominees shortlisted for the prestigious COOU Award following evaluation by the Faculty.
Although Ofoleh was unable to attend the conference, the university delegation led by Dean of Faculty of Arts, Prof. Cynado Ezeogidi, later presented the COOU Award during the Nkpor market’s weekly prayer session.
Explaining the basis for the honour, the dean said Ofoleh’s nomination was driven by his philanthropic initiatives, leadership influence and commitment to human capital development, which align with the university’s guiding principles of value, viability and visibility.
“We unanimously nominated you for a Platinum Leadership COOU Award in recognition of your silent but impactful philanthropic gestures and dedication to societal development,” the dean stated.
Responding, Ofoleh expressed gratitude for the COOU Award, describing it as motivation to deepen his commitment to service and community development.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. This honour challenges me to live a more impactful life,” he said.
He also disclosed ongoing collaboration between the university and the Nkpor business community to encourage traders to pursue further education through the institution’s Continuing Education Programme.
Vice Chairman of the market, Hon. Sir Josephat Ekwedike, and Secretary General, Chief Uche Nwankwo, praised Ofoleh’s leadership, noting that the COOU Award further reflects his reputation for excellence and transformational leadership within the trading community.
They urged traders to continue supporting the market leadership, stressing that sustained recognition from academic institutions demonstrates confidence in the chairman’s developmental vision.
