Prominent personalities and outstanding institution in Obowo were honoured at Obiri Obowo by Arise Africa Network Organization during the Obowo Decides Live Debate which held at Obiri Obowo Otoko, Obowo LGA Imo State. Obowo Decides Live Debate was the first if it's kind in the history of Obowo Politics.
Chief Emmanuel Okewulonu (IKEOHA OBOWO) a highly successful business mogul and current Senatorial Candidate of People's Democratic Party Okigwe Zone Senatorial Zone ,Dcn Chuka Obaego , a successful real estate mogul, fiancial consultant and serial entrepreneur. Member Finance Committee LP PCC, National Convener New Nigeria Integrity Movement (NNIM) was presented with Excellence Award.
Hon Uzoma Egbukichi and Amb Vitus Echendu -a Human Rights Activist were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to humanity.
Obowo Decides Live Debate which held on Sunday 29th January at Obiri Obowo Hall was indeed a huge success.
According to the Publisher of Arise Africa and Chairman, Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria who stated that the sole aim is to ensure excellence in the promotion of credible elections, participatory democracy, civic engagement, human rights and strengthening of Institution for consolidation of democratic practice
Obowo Decides Live Debate afforded candidates opportunity of having interactive session with electorates.
The objective of the public debate is for people to assess the contestants and make informed decisions on whom to cast their vote for during the upcoming elections.
Obowo State Constituency Imo State House of Assembly Candidates that were present includes;
1. Hon Nzenwa Emmanuel Uche ( AA)
2. Hon Chika Okafor (PDP)
2. Hon Ebere Ugo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)
4. Hon Matthew Maduforo IBB (Accord)
5. Hon Collins Esiro (SDP)
Candidate of the Labour Party Hon. Princess Nkechi Anyanwu-Mbachu of and Hon Nnayerugo Kingsley Iroanya (YPP) were absent
The All Progressive Congress (APC) Candidate and Honourable Member Representing Obowo IMHA; Rt Hon Barr Kennedy Ibeh was also absent.
However, the Honourable member and Emeritus Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly; Rt Hon Barr Kennedy Ibeh congratulated the organizers for the wisdom in subjecting the candidates to scrutiny of their individual knowledge and appreciation of what is expected of a person who seeks to represent his or her people in a Legislative capacity.
The Lawmaker apologized to the organizers for his unavoidable absence in the well conceived and worthwhile programmme in a Press Release by the Spokesperson Obowo Continuity Project, Barr Kelechi Onyegbule.
Obowo is a place of 'first's , the first Lawyer in Okigwe zone( including Isuikwuator and Isuochi as it is now), the first medical Doctor in Okigwe zone ( including as above), the first entity or clan to organize political debates in the old Eastern Nigeria when Papa Obowo( TOS Ebere) organized it for Obowians who were contesting election in 1978. That pioneer outing helped Mbakwe during the actual elections in 1979.
The Obowo Decides Live Debate event was powerred by Gcfn Consult, Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), International Human Rights Commission and had full representation by Civic Societies, Traditional and Religious Leaders, Obowo Development Association, Onugotu Obowo Foundation, President Generals, Women Leaders, Students and stakeholders.
Others are Prince Chima Anyanwu, Chief Emeka Williams, Hon Desmond Egbukichi,Chief Festus Mbachu, Onugotu Obowo Foundation, Apostle Eugene, Rev Emmanuel Ozuruonye and Lucky Osuji