2023 Potter's Excellence Awards: World Bank Assisted Project Ag. Coordinator, Enugu APPEALS, Mrs Ihuoma Eze, Honored for Integrity and Professionalism

 

A Women and Youth Livelihood Specialist and the Acting Project Coordinator of Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project Enugu State Mrs Ihuoma Eze has been rewarded by the Potter's Wheel Foundation's 2023 Awards for her Honesty, Sincerity and Professionalism in discharging her duties in APPEALS.

The award presentation took place during the grand finale of the Foundation's "Enugu Women and Youth Productive Skill Fair" that also marked their 3rd Anniversary on the 24th of November 2023 at Indoor Sports Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Stadium, Enugu.

The award presented to her by a prominent figure and erudite scholar, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, a former minister of Petroleum and former Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka, stands as a clear appreciation for her diligent service to Enugu State as the acting coordinator of Enugu APPEALS Project.

In her thank you speech, Mrs Ihuoma Eze commended the efforts of Potter's Wheel Foundation in providing succour for youth and women in Enugu State to gain free training, self-development and support to enhance their productivity and improve their livelihoods for a better society. She stated thus; "In a very special way, i want to say a big thank you to Potter's Wheel Foundation for this honour, to our royal father, HRM Igwe Abel Nwobodo, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, the comptroller of Nigeria Correctional Service Anambra State Command, other revered men and women seated in this hall, I do not take it for granted and I thank you all for finding me worthy"

"When I was nominated, I talked to myself that this is one more testament that people we don't even know are watching us. I can see the great work you're doing here and I want to encourage you to keep up with the good work. Having worked with youths and women, I understand perfectly the challenges that comes with it, this is not an easy task, but trust me, it is rewarding at the end"

"the testimonies you get at the end of the day will impact generations. I want encourage the youths and beneficiaries of this wonderful endeavour to continue to make our society proud"

With her MANTRA, inspirationally drawn from Proverbs 22:29, "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings" She concluded.

Other High-Powered awardees, academians, public servants and technocrats include, His Royal Highness, Igwe Abel Nwobodo who was crowned the patron of the Potter's Wheel Foundation, the Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, the Former VC of UNN and Former Minister of Petroleum, Prof Cbinedu Nebo, the Chief Whip, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs Obiajulu Ugwu. Awardees such as; Adebayo Benson Abioye, the Assistant Superintendent of Narcotic, NDLEA, Enugu State Command, Hon Mrs Euphemia Nneka Nwali, Chairman, Ezza South LGA, Ebonyi State, Chigbu Nono, Nigerian Actress and Influencer, CC Joseph Ehimeme Usifo, comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Service, Anambra State Command, Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke and a host of others.

In celebrating the outstanding achievements of Mrs Ihuoma Eze and other distinguished awardees, the ceremony stands as a testament to the Potter's Wheel Foundation's unwavering commitment to excellence and societal development. By recognizing individuals whose contributions span various sectors, the Foundation reinforces its dedication to fostering positive change and inspiring a culture of impactful service. As the event concludes, it leaves an indelible mark, highlighting the transformative power of recognizing and honoring those who tirelessly work towards the betterment of society.

                     About the Awardee;

Mrs. Ihuoma Eze epitomizes a dynamic and driven leader, showcasing qualities of diligence, innovation, proactivity, and goal-oriented teamwork. These attributes have propelled her as a trailblazer from her early years to her current role. Her focused and adept approach has allowed her to amass significant experience in a remarkably short period.

In her capacity as the Acting Project Coordinator and Women and Youth/Livelihood Specialist for the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement, and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project in Enugu State—a World Bank Assisted Project—Mrs. Eze plays a pivotal role in enhancing the productivity of small and medium-scale farmers across 11 priority value chains in Nigeria. Under her coordination in Enugu State, the APPEALS Project has achieved commendable results, empowering 1,700 beneficiaries through the Women and Youth Empowerment Programme, including 85 individuals with disabilities. This initiative involves establishing start-up agro-businesses in five value chains. Additionally, over 3,000 farmers in Enugu State have received grants for input, technology support, and capacity building in cashew, rice, and poultry production, contributing significantly to the region and the nation.

With an impressive academic background, Mrs. Ihuoma Eze is currently a PhD Scholar at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her expertise extends to her Master of Science Degree in Parasitology and Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology. She ventured into World Bank Projects through her tenure at the Nigerian Watershed Erosion Management Project (NEWMAP) before transitioning to the APPEALS Project for a period of five years. Mrs. Eze's diverse activities and roles have honed her skills in project management, with international and national training in areas such as Project Facilitation, Social Emotional Skills of the Gender Innovation Lab of the World Bank, Effective Mediation Skills, Environmental and Social Safeguard Standards, and Basic Procurement.

As the Acting Project Coordinator, Mrs. Eze has effectively ensured that the APPEALS Project in Enugu surpasses its project development objectives. This achievement is reflected in the project's recognition as the best in the country for fund utilization (93.3%) and performance based on activities (100%), resulting in a multitude of positive impacts on the people of the State and humanity at large.