The Irsbaccom University, Parakou Benin Republic has awarded a Nigerian Pharmacist, Dr Napoleon Onyechi, with an honorary doctorate degree in public health management.
Onyechi who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of West Lake Pharmacy Inc, Florida, U.S.A, received the award in a ceremony organised in Abuja on Monday.
Chief Registrar of Irsbaccom University, Dr Tasie Daniels, said that the institution conferred the degree on Onyechi following his achievements in public health.
Daniels also said that Onyechi had impacted on many lives especially in his home town Abagana in Anambra State.
He said that Onyechi’s nomination was thoroughly verified and authenticated and was found to have deserved the award.
Onyechi who spoke after receiving the award, expressed gratitude to Irsbaccom University for recognising his contributions to his community and attributed his success to God.
“It is interesting that you have assessed my contributions in service to my community and humanity, and found it worthy of this award and recognition.
“It is indeed interesting that I am honoured in an area where I got into by divine providence, and so, I hereby pledge that you will never regret this honour done to me,” Onyechi said.
Earlier Dr Muntari Malumfashi, Chairman/CEO of a security consulting firm, described Onyechi as a philanthropist and a man bereft of religious and tribal sentiments.
He listed Onyechi’s philanthropic gestures to include provisions of borehole water to many parts of his town and community in Abagana, in Anambra
According to him, Onyechi has also provided portable drinking water in the community’s police station, St. Peter’s Anglican Church and Obiagu village square.
“He also recently furnished the Abagana Secretariat,” Malumfashi said.
Malumfashi further said that the philanthropist had assisted many Nigerians in starting businesses, paid tuition fees for numerous people and donated generously towards many charity events.
“I am very glad that I nominated him for this award quietly and strictly confidential, until the university gave the approval”