By Eze Adiuku
The Anglican Diocese of Mbaise has said its new Outstanding Leadership Awards (OLA) are a mission-driven act of gratitude to men and women of proven character, and not a fundraising scheme or an evangelism gimmick.
)Prof. Jimmy Imo (KSC), Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the Diocese of Mbaise Anglican Communion (DIOMAC) Outstanding Leadership Awards, made this known while responding to questions on the purpose and structure of the programme.
He said the awards carry the full blessing of the Lord Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Chamberlain Chinedu Ogunedo, who has endorsed them as the highest honour the Diocese can confer on distinguished individuals in society.
Asked why a religious body would honour politicians and businessmen, Prof. Imo said the Church holds that faith must engage society and not retreat from it. According to him, God places people in different spheres of influence, whether in politics, business, public service, education or community leadership, so that they may serve the common good.
“In essence, the Church is saying: we see your good works, and we thank you,” he said, explaining that what links all the honourees is a verifiable record of positive impact, ethical conduct and service that reflects Christian values of stewardship, justice and selflessness.
On suggestions that the award is a money-making venture or merely a way of winning souls, Prof. Imo dismissed both views. He stated that the programme is fully funded and supported by the Diocese as part of its social responsibility and community engagement mandate, and that no awardee is asked to pay for the honour. No financial consideration, he added, played any part in selecting the honourees.
He noted, however, that the award is more than an evangelistic tool. It is meant to celebrate values at a time when society badly needs credible role models. If souls are drawn closer to Christ through the example of the honourees, he said, “to God be the glory,” but the main aim remains to recognise excellence and encourage others to do more for God and humanity.
The chairman disclosed that the Diocese has begun building a befitting Broadcast Studio to further spread the Gospel. The studio will be unveiled during the awards ceremony, and awardees, their guests and other invitees are welcome to support the project as led by the Spirit.
On the categories, Prof. Imo said the awards were designed to reflect leadership in its different dimensions, honouring contributions that are exceptional, verifiable and impactful within Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria and beyond. They are: Outstanding Community Service; Outstanding Servant of the Lord; Nehemiah; Matriarch/Patriarch of the Church; Professional Excellence; God’s Ambassador; God’s Diaspora; and Posthumous Award of Excellence.
