A former Director of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) and erstwhile Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), late Ishmael Banigo has been showered with accolades for a life of sterling impact, patriotic service and commitment to excellence.

The Bonny Improvement Association (BIA), Port Harcourt, which commended him for a life well-lived, and regretted that during his lifetime and since his demise in 2001 he had remained an unsung hero, conferred on him a post-humous award of excellence.

The BIA Port Harcourt also conferred awards of excellence on notable sons and daughters of Bonny Kingdom including the Chairman of Bonny LGA, David Irimagha, his Vice, Anengi Barasua, a United States based philanthropist, academic and cleric, Dr Samuel Green, and a member of the Governing Councils of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU), Prof. Jessica Ezekiel-Hart.

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Others were frontline Surveyor, Ferdinand Banigo, oil and gas expert, Engr. Dimieari Green, and a former Director of Litigations in the Rivers State Judiciary, Sir Mina Jumbo.

In his Welcome Address at the 2020 End-of-Year Party/Launch of 2021 Calendar in Port Harcourt where the awardees were recognized for their enormous contributions to their homeland, President of the BIA Port Harcourt Branch, Professor Sodienye Abere disclosed that the association was marking its 100 years of existence.

He called on all sons and daughters of Grand Bonny Kingdom to identify with and support efforts by the association to create social impact that would fast-track development in the society, urging them to “share our vision to elicit the best approach in resolving issues,” and also support “the BIA PHC in raising funds for select projects”.

Prof. Abere, who is also the National Vice President, Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON), hailed the unity of purpose among the members, noting that as “we forge ahead for progress and better livelihood for ourselves and future generations…the foundation must be properly laid”.

Earlier in his Opening Remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Hilkiah Igoni praised the BIA Port Harcourt for standing the test of time and surviving the vicissitudes of life, while commending the leadership excellence exuded by the Prof. Sodienye Abere led executive.

Igoni, who is also a former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) used the opportunity to call for a 20 year Development Blueprint for Bonny Kingdom, Education Foundation, strategic partnerships within and outside Bonny Kingdom and development focused bills and proposals by the political class in Bonny Kingdom.  

Chairman of Bonny LGA, David Irimagha, represented by the Government Liaison Officer (GLO), Adonye Jumbo lauded the efforts of the Bonny Improvement Association (BIA) at making strategic contributions to the development of Bonny LGA, declaring that his administration identifies with the ideals of BIA, pledging his support to the programmes of the association.

An alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, United States, the late Ishmael Banigo, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), was during his lifetime a General Manager of the Rivers State Utilities Board and Rivers State Electricity Board, respectively, where he notably contributed to the development trajectory of today’s Rivers State, grounds upon which the honour was bestowed on him.

Also, worthy of special notice is the story of one of the awardees, Dr. Samuel Green, who rose through the dint of hardwork, perseverance and courage from a canoe paddling fisherman to obtain a Doctorate degree from the University of California, California, United States.

Aside earning himself a special recognition for his humanitarian services by the Mayor of the City of Monroe, Louisiana, United States, a day (December 8) was said to have been named after him in the same city.

On their part, some of the awardees, Dr Samuel Green, Sir Mina Jumbo, and Engr. Dimieari Green applauded the BIA Port Harcourt leadership for finding them worthy to be conferred with awards of excellence, assuring that they will continue to scale up the contributions to develop their homeland, Bonny Kingdom, which has earned them the recognitions.

Highpoint of the occasion was the launching of the 2021 Calendar, honour parade by the Boys Brigade of St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt for one of its patrons, Dr Samuel Green, refreshments and music to entertain the attendees.