By Amos Aar
A Makurdi-based business man, Mr Chukudi Hyacinth Okafor, last week Tuesday received a meritorious award of hard work presented to him by the Honourable Commissioner of Water Resources and Environment, Dr Godwin Oyiwona.
Presenting the award to Mr Okafor at the Ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi during the 2022 end- of-year party for staff of the ministry, Dr Oyiwona explained that the special awardee, Okafor, was not a staff of the Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority (BENSESA), an agency under the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment charged with the responsibility of keeping Makurdi clean, but was always seen sanitising the town especially on Vandeikya street hence his nomination for the award.
“I was watching him but he didn’t know somebody was seeing what he was doing. Sometimes I did see him even at night working on Vandeikya street and he was not doing it to be paid.
“He is keeping Makurdi clean. These are the kind of people we want especially in this our last lap, Makurdi should be very, very clean.
“You are aware that six operational vehicles have been released to BENSESA to keep Makurdi clean. This man [Okafor] is going to play a major role in keeping Makurdi clean.
“That is why I decided to call him here today to appreciate him for his excellent service,” Oyiwona said.
In an interview with National Record, Mr Okafor said he did not expect the recognition given him, adding that the award would spur him to redouble his efforts.
Asked why he chose to render such a voluntary service which involves handling dirt that many people shy away from, Okafor said he simply hates seeing dirty things around him even in his house. “Normally, I don’t like staying in a filthy environment. I don’t stay in a dirty environment at all because it irritates me. When I see dirty things, I pack it,” he said.
Others who received various awards at the event include, Mr Aluga Jacob Iorhen of the Administrative Department, Atume Moses Vahemen, Department of Urban Water Supply and Quality Control, Engr Emmanuel Amboh, Department of Engineering Services, Mrs Mbaihangeve Tyokula, Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, Comr Atomigba Uva, Department of Forestry, Adaji Samuel Abu, Department of Environment, Luper Hembah, Department of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, Jonah Ode Adeyi, Account Department, Mrs Terngwua Hembadon- BERWASA, Mrs Grace Fateman Apuu- Benue State Water Board, Atobo Abraham Kingsley, Kazeem Danladi Isaac, Orowa Jacob from BENSESA and Mr Okafor Chukwudi Hyacinth, a non-staff of the ministry who was awarded for his voluntary services.
