*Col Austin Akobundu (Rtd) bags Royal Excellence Award.* 

 _...You have shown resilience, doggedness, consistency and commitment. We are proud to be associated with you. In recognition of these and more we pleased to present to you this award of honour as the_ *Ezi Nwanne di na Mba..* 

 *HRM Eze(Sir) Innocent A. Nwaigwe*

Such was the encomium that greeted the award presentation to the Abia Central Senatorial candidate of the PDP, *Col Austin Akobundu(Rtd)* as he was Honoured by the people of Okaiuga Alike ancient Kingdom, Umuahia Abia State.

 *Dike ako la-mba* joined former NDDC Director General and former Governoship Aspirant of Abia State *Chief Ugochukwu Onyema (CON)* The Ikoro of Ohuhu for the New Yam Festival of the good people of Okaiuga Alike ancient Kingdom.

Amidst the massive crowds that received the former Minister and his entourage, *The Ochiagha Ukwu of Ngodo* was was hugely eulogized following the various Traditional Rulers who took turns to speak.

 *HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu* spoke unequivocally that the council of traditional rulers of Ikwuano/Umuahia are presently in concluding stages of their consultation for the adoption of the retired but not tired general as their sole candidate.

 *Chief Onyema -The Owubiri Imo* who also was the chief host of the New yam Festival asserted that Colonel's dedication, faithfulness, Sincerity and credibility were the qualities that set him heads and shoulders beyond others. He stated that his journey to the Red chambers would be unrivaled.

The Honourable Commissioner for Finance of Abia State, *Dr Aham Uko* - *Omere Oha Ohuhu* also joined in the praise and felicitation of the Senate hopeful. He enjoined the good people of Ohuhu to take his candidacy as their project by ensuring that Colonel is delivered at every of their polling units. 

In response, *The former National Organizing Secretary of the PDP* Thanked the traditional rulers for finding him worthy of being honoured with such a prestigious recognition. He informed to the hearing of everyone that his ties with the people Ohuhu, go way back and thus he was their adopted son. He insisted that his representation will be all inclusive while he stated that he held them dear to his heart and would always be available to their needs.

Those who joined his entourage were, Chief Uche Nwosu, Chief Obi Njoku amongst others.

 *Courtesy* 

 *Media Unit* 

 *Col Austin Akobundu* 

 *For Senate, 2023*