It was pomp and celebrations as staff, Management and Board of the African Network For Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ rolled out the drums to present the most valued staff award to the Deputy Director, Comrade Leo Atakpu for thirty years meritorious service.
The Executive Director, ANEEJ Rev. David Ugolor made the presentation of the award alongside a spot utility tool during an in-house gathering of Staff and families to celebrate the sixty birth day of Comrade Leo Atakpu.
In an emotion laden voice, Rev Ugolor reiterated that ANEEJ is not just celebrating the milestone of another year which coincides with the thirty years of the organization, but a remarkable Journey of dedication, loyalty and integrity that Comrade Atakpu embodied over the past three decades.
“From the very beginning, your unwavering commitment as my deputy has been a cornerstone of our success. Your insight and dependability have not only made our work environment stronger, but have also inspired those around you. You have been more than just a colleague, you have been a true ally and a cherished friend.
“As you enter this new chapter, may the Lord bless you abundantly and shower you and your family with joy, health, and prosperity. We are profoundly grateful for the countless ways you have contributed to our mission and the positive impact you have made on all of us. On behalf of the staff, management and Board, it is with great pleasure that we present you with the most valued staff award. We hope this small token, a spot utility tool serves as a reminder of our appreciation for your hard work and dedication and thank you for being an exceptional leader and a wonderful friend and here is to celebrating you today and to many more years of success together,” Rev. Ugolor added.
Apparently overwhelmed with the surprise birthday bash from ANEEJ, Comrade Leo Atakpu who was accompanied by his lovely wife and one of the children, was short of words to describe the conviviality of the evening and the show of love by his colleagues, but he however recalled that this was the first time such a ceremony was being held in the court yard of the office premises.
While praying that ANEEJ continues to grow greater and move to its permanent site, even as they celebrate thirty years, Comrade Leo Atakpu said that this show of love will spur him to continue to serve humanity and to improve the living standard of people with more energy this time around, adding that the gift of a spot utility tool is most valuable to renew his energy to continue to serve humanity which ANEEJ stands for.
As usual, there was lots of dancing, eating, drinking, and tributes galore and everyone was urged to emulate Comrade Leo Atakpu as a role model
Meanwhile, there will be a seminar in commemoration of the sixty birthday of Comrade Leo Atakpu on Friday, February 14 2025 with the theme, ” Tackling Multi-Dimensional Poverty in Nigeria: Need for Reforms and the guest speaker is Prof. Patrick Ohikhena, Deputy Vice Chancellor, WellSpring University, Benin City
