It was glitz and glamour, on the 26th of July 2024, as Cllr. Anna Mbachu received a National Merit Award in
Philanthropy, from the Federal government of Nigeria through its commission-
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, for her contribution to the
advancement of the cause of women and the girl child in Nigeria.
She was among the 20 awardees, and only female,
from the United Kingdom that received the award at the National Diaspora-day
celebration and 2024 Diaspora Merit Awards which held, at the Banquet Hall,
Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria.
In an interview with Cllr. Anna Mbachu shortly
after the award ceremony, the elated philanthropist said she was humbled and
felt valued by the award she received.
She noted that it is a great thing to be
recognized by home land for their contributions to human development in Nigeria
and those in the diaspora, adding that this will encourage others to do more,
thereby promoting Nigerians image abroad, which is consistently seen in a
negative light.
According to her, efforts should be made to
publicize this epoch-making event globally, as a way to further promote the
right narrative. She thanked the first Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Remi Tinubu, the
NiDCOM chairman, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the organizers of the award
ceremony.
The First lady, Remi Tinubu charged the awardees
not to see their success as personal as she said, the government cannot do it
alone. She celebrated their exemplary achievements and enjoined them to see the
award as a recognition of their selflessness, which should be an energizer to
do more.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the NiDCOM
chairman stated that the event was in honor of Nigerians who are doing
remarkable things abroad. She appealed to Nigerians to continue to put the
country on the front burner positively and promised to continue collaborating
with them.
Giving a brief overview of the National Diaspora
Merit Award, secretary of NiDCOM, Engr. Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, stated that,
NiDCOM organized the ceremony to recognize contributions of Nigerians in
diaspora to national development, which is contained in the NiDCOM policy.
He informed that the award was in categories listed as, ICT, Philanthropy, Agriculture, Innovation, Water resources, Oil and gas, Education, Medicine, Transport, Entertainment and Media, as he urged Nigerians to emulate their good works and collectively work for the development of Nigeria.
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| Cllr. Anna recieving her award |
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| The Award |
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| The Awardee Cllr. Anna Mbachu |
Cllr. Anna Mbachu is not new to national recognitions from her home country for her contributions to humanity. The Nigerian Government had in 2014, recognized and conferred on her, a meritorious service award, for her service to the Nigerian community in the UK. This was presented to her during the 2014 Nigerian Independence celebration,through the then Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida. She was among the 26 persons selected for the award.
About the Anna Mbachu Foundation
The Anna Mbachu Foundation, founded by Cllr. Anna
Mbachu-Ogbuebile is dedicated to supporting and improving lives of orphans and
widows, particularly in the Igbo-speaking South East Nigeria. The foundation
offers educational support to orphaned girls, ensuring they receive free education
up to the secondary level. The foundation is also poised to advocate for the
protection of the rights of the girlchild from social vices and other abuses.
Additionally, Anna Mbachu Foundation, empowers widows economically, helping
them to become self-reliant through business support grants and
capacity-building training.
Since its inception, the foundation has made significant progress which includes -:Distribution of Christmas hampers to elderly citizens in the UK, spanning over six years.Economic empowerment programs benefiting 15 widows in Southern Nigeria with business support grants.
Cllr
Anna Mbachu’s Journey and Vision
Cllr Anna Mbachu's journey is one of resilience
and dedication. Balancing her roles as a mother, clinician with the National Health
Service, and politician, she has served as the Mayor of Waltham Forest Borough,
East London, and currently holds the position of an elected councilor. Her
leadership extends to various socio-cultural organizations where she continues
to advocate for the less privileged.
Despite facing challenges such as lack of funds, Cllr Anna Mbachu remains committed to making a positive impact through her foundation.
Recognition and Future Plans
Receiving the National Diaspora Merit Award is a
testament of Cllr Anna Mbachu’s commitment to philanthropy.
For more information about Cllr Anna Mbachu and the Anna Mbachu Foundation, the YouTube channel for an activity report of the widows empowerment outing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YecSs3OSZw
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