By Patrick Ochei
An illustrious daughter of Issele-Uku Kingdom and Chairperson of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC), Dr Veronica Ufoegbune has been honoured with the prestigious 2023 Peace-Builder Award by the California State University, Sacramento, Centre for African Peace & Conflict Resolution (CSUS-CAPCR).
She was honoured in recognition of her exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions in coalition building, especially in and among the Africa Diaspora communities and groups, as well as demonstrable commitment to social justice.
The Gatekeeper News reported that the accompanying congratulatory letter to the Award, signed by the CAPCR Director, Dr Ernest Uwazie, succinctly appreciated Dr Ufoegbune for her cooperation during the nomination and interview processes.
According to the Gatekeeper News while giving a run down of the CSUS-CAPCR corporate profile, “Each year, the CSUS-CAPCR presents the peace awards to select individuals and/or organizations in recognition of their outstanding contributions in various components of peace and conflict resolution in/on Africa or among people of African heritage in the diaspora.
“Past recipients of the Annual Peace Awards include the first female Chief Justice of Ghana, the Honorable Georgina Theodora Wood, Dr. Joseph Marshall of the Omega Boys Club/Street Soldiers, Dr. Ephraim Williams (St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church, Sacramento), Ms. Jeannette Ndhlovu, former Consul General of South Africa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Dr. David Covin, Professor Emeritus (Sac State), Prof. Joy Ezeilo (Nigerian family/woman activist/scholar), Daniel Yamshon, Esq. (Sacramento lawyer), Judge Barry Loncke (Sacramento court judge), Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, and Hon. Barbara Lee, US Congresswoman, Dr. Anvar Velji (formerly at Sacramento-Kaiser Permanente), California Black Health Network, Water for Life, and Solar Cookers International, CAIR-Sacramento, Dr. Nicole Clavo of Sacramento City Violence Prevention program, among others over the past 30 years.
“In 2018, we honored President Nana Akufo Addo of Ghana, followed by Dr. Bennet Omalu in 2019, Mr. Danny Glover in 2020, Dr. Olivia Kasirye- Sacramento County Public Health Officer and Africa agri business entrepreneur, Mr. Fatai Yusufu in 2022, among other distinguished guests.
“CAPCR is an institute of California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) that provides conflict resolution and peace education services and research in/about Africa and the Diaspora. To date, over 30,000 people from 6 continents and over 40 countries have participated in various CAPCR training workshops and conferences”, profiled Gatekeeper News.
Meanwhile, the amiable Monarch of Issele-Uku Kingdom, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka has congratulated Dr Veronica Ufoegbune, describing her as a woman of substance and respectability.
Obi Nduka said, Ufoegbune is a pride daughter of Issele-Uku who has continued to bring honour to her land of birth from the global space, praying that God will continue to uplift and protect her for more laurels.
His words, “It is my honour and pleasure to rejoice with you on your extremely deserved honour. You have continued to make us proud; always representing Issele-Uku in everything that is good.
“We are not ignorant of the various contributions you have made from the Diaspora to see Issele-Uku make progress and develop speedily. Your support to our people in terms of human capital development and your promotion of our values, culture and traditional institution is most cherished by the Royal Palace and elders of Issele-Uku Kingdom.
“I pray and declare, that the Good Lord and our Ancestors continue to find you worthy for more promotions, favours and peace of mind.
“Your passion and patriotism have not only continued to elevate you in your spheres of endeavour, but have also brought dignity to the reputation of Issele-Uku. Keep it up and it shall continue to be well with you”, Obi Nduka declared.
The People’s Delight Traditional Ruler, nonetheless, advised other well meaning daughters of Issele-Uku at home and in the Diaspora to emulate the virtues and patriotism of Dr Veronica Ufoegbune for the good of Issele-Uku and the world at large.