Recognition celebrates over three decades of philanthropy and commitment to humanity
OWERRI, IMO STATE — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone C (South-East), has conferred the Lifetime Humanitarian Service Award of Excellence on Rtn. Ambassador High Chief Dr. Uche E. Iro, JP, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of STRIVAD Group of Companies and Founder/President of the STRIVAD Foundation, in recognition of his longstanding philanthropic activities and contributions to humanity.
The award was presented on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during the Congress of the NUJ Imo State Council. The ceremony was preceded by the investiture of Dr. Iro as a patron of the union.
Speaking during the event, the NUJ Vice President for Zone C, Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, JP, described the honour as the first of its kind from the zone, explaining that it was intended to encourage Dr. Iro to sustain and expand his humanitarian efforts.
Adiuku noted that NUJ awards are reserved for individuals who have distinguished themselves through service to others. He urged Dr. Iro to remain committed to the ideals that earned him the recognition and to support the union in his new capacity as patron.
Dr. Iro was represented at the event by Sir Dr. Tobias Ugo Nwokocha, KSM, who received the award on his behalf. In his remarks, Nwokocha expressed appreciation to the NUJ, particularly Zone C and its leadership, for recognising his principal’s contributions to humanitarian service.
He described the award as well deserved and highlighted the longstanding relationship between STRIVAD and the NUJ, noting that the union had consistently supported the publicity of the STRIVAD Foundation’s programmes and humanitarian interventions.
According to Nwokocha, Dr. Iro’s philanthropic activities span more than three decades and remain an enduring commitment.
“This philanthropic gesture did not begin today. It has been sustained for over 30 years, and the commitment to serving humanity will continue,” he said.
Providing updates on the foundation’s programmes, Nwokocha disclosed that STRIVAD had concluded its scholarship programme for university students. He added that beneficiaries are expected to begin collecting their scholarship awards at designated offices in Owerri during the first week of November 2026.
He further announced that the foundation would hold the third edition of its special recognition programme for teachers on November 30, 2026. The initiative will recognise three serving teachers and three retired teachers from government-owned schools for their dedication, sacrifice and contributions to education and community development.
Nwokocha emphasised the importance of teachers in shaping society and nurturing future generations, noting that their commitment and service deserve public recognition.
He concluded by commending the NUJ and the organisers of the award, while encouraging journalists to uphold the principles of integrity, professionalism and responsible journalism.
He expressed optimism that the recognition would strengthen the relationship between the STRIVAD Foundation and the NUJ, while creating further opportunities for collaboration in humanitarian service and sustainable community development.
