Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Legal Practitioner Barrister Emeka Nwala has emerged as the Most outstanding Legislative Expert of the year. Nwala who currently serves as the Chief of Staff to the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was crowned with the coveted Award at the 5th edition of the 2023 IgbereTv Leadership Excellence (LEEX) Awards held on Saturday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Nwala, a former Vice Chairman of the 6th National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASLAF) emerged tops amongst other nominees in the same category after a 7 days LEEX nationwide poll.
At the Epoch event Nwala who was the Director of Administration to the 9th President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, personally received his Award plaque and was accompanied by Staff of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu , colleagues, family , friends and associates.
According to the organizers Nwala’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, service especially the welfare of legislative aides earned him the Honour.
Nwala’s achievements while serving as a Senior Legislative Aide to former Lawmakers of the National Assembly were listed including his contributions as a Legal adviser to different Committees in the Senate and House of Representatives.
“Driven by his passion for the betterment of legislative Aides , Nwala has championed significant reforms.
“He has ardently pursued the formal recognition of the Legislative Aides Forum through amendments to the Constitution. Additionally he has spearheaded efforts to review and enhance the wages of legislative Aides.
“In pursuance of financial stability, he has explored avenues for fund acquisition, including liaising with the management and last reducing deductions to the barest minimum, ” Nwala’s profile read.
Nwala’s foray into publishing as an Author was so mentioned by the organisers;
“Emeka is not just a legislative expert but also an accomplished author, having published “Legislate Promise” and “Legislative Mandate.” His legal expertise was honed at Flame Chambers in Aba and Ken & Ken Association in Abuja.
The Isiala Ngwa born Awardee, while receiving his award at the lavishly decorated venue, expressed gratitude to the organizers for the recognition. Nwala also showered accolades on his principal Senator Orji Kalu for giving him the opportunity to showcase his skills.
“I am grateful to everyone, this award means a lot to me , my family and my office. This is an encouragement for me to do more. I thank the organisers of this award, they have done very well, Nwala noted.
A welcome address delivered by the LEEX Award curator, Emeh James congratulated the Awardees and announced that this year’s winners emerged through the most transparent process imaginable.
“They were chosen via a rigorous 7-day nationwide poll, meticulously monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria, and proudly endorsed by the African Union, African Film Institute. This process underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards of fairness, integrity, and accountability, James stated.
The award’s evolution over the years was also chronicled by James; “In the past four editions of these awards, we have seen a remarkable tapestry of visionaries, trailblazers, and change-makers who have, in their unique ways, shaped the destiny of our society.
Other personalities who were bestowed with Awards were; ‘Man of the Year’ Chairman BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu; Governor of Bauchi state, Sen. Bala Mohammed; Popular Arise TV senior anchor Rufai Oseni; Women of the Year, Prof Nnennaya Otti; Philanthropist of the year, Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Chinyere; Women Leader of the year, Hajiyya Zainab Ibrahim; Public Finance Administrator of the Year, Adaze Aguele-Kalu; Public servant of the year, Hon. Ginika Florence Tor-Ijeoma among eminent Nigerians.
