Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker IHEDIOHA gets USAfrica BEST OF AFRICA International Legislative Leadership award in Houston

Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker IHEDIOHA gets USAfrica BEST OF AFRICA International Legislative Leadership award in Houston.

USAfrica, Houston, Texas: One of the rising, new generation leaders in Nigeria, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. EMEKA IHEDIOHA, has received the first USAfrica International Legislative Leadership award.

The prestigious trophy which was handed on May 4th to Ihedioha — on behalf of USAfrica — by an influential U.S Congressman Hon. Al Green, a Democrat, at the special 2012 USAfrica BEST OF AFRICA awards held every year on the first Friday of May in Houston, Texas.

The Executive Governor of Zamfara State Abdulazeez Abubakar Yari, several Nigerian legislators, indigenous petroleum services delegates to OTC and hundreds of professionals were at the USAfrica invitation-only banquet at the Hilton Hotel Towers.

Green commended Ihedioha for his contributions towards a better Nigeria. Green, named among Ebony Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Black People, in 2006, received the USAfrica Legislative Champion for Africa 2012.
USAfrica established since 1993 is assessed by the CNN and The New York Times as the largest (and arguably, the most influential) African-owned, U.S-based multimedia and public policy networks, producing and publishing print, web and electronic content.

The Founder of USAfrica and host of the USAfrica BEST OF AFRICA awards Dr. Chido Nwangwu noted in his citation for the distinguished honoree that “Emeka Ihedioha meets USAfrica’s criteria for someone whose influence

and ideas impact the development of the democratic institutions in Nigeria; a new generation leader who holds progressive agenda that are in reasonable consonance with the core goal of USAfrica dedicated since 1993 towards  articulating and flying the distinctive flag of the African professional class inside Africa, in the diaspora and globally.”

On the legislative yardstick for picking Ihedioha, Dr. Nwangwu, a former adviser on Africa business/issues to Houston’s Mayor Lee Brown added that “USAfrica recognizes Ihedioha’s lead roles in effecting the passage of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act of 2007, a key legislation which reformed the maritime industry thereby increasing the participation and empowerment of Nigerians in that critical sector of the economy.” Between 2003 and 2007, he served as Chairman of the ranking House Committee on Marine Transport

In his acceptance remarks, Rt. Hon. Ihedioha said “I truly appreciate this special award, particularly in respect of the proven credibility, professionalism, consistency and continuing growth of USAfrica multimedia networks.” He called on Africans and Nigerians in the diaspora “to always think and look towards home. Do your best in all your endeavors and do not be distracted by what any other person is doing.”  He thanked the cream and leadership of various segments of the international community, noting that “I’m encouraged by the diverse and talented mix of Africans, Caribbeans, Americans and Nigerians who are guests or honorees at the USAfrica BEST OF AFRICA awards.”

On Saturday May 5, 2012, Nigeria’s deputy Speaker Ihedioha visited USAfrica’s Houston editorial headquarters where he was interviewed exclusively on current issues ranging from security challenges, maritime laws, Boko Haram, his relationship with Nigeria’s President Jonathan, allegations of corruption against some members of the House of Representatives, Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, late Chuba Okadigbo, his motto, young family, etc

The USAfrica Best of Africa event, honorees and guests photos are uploading on the diaspora events website www.PhotoWorks.TV

NOTE: ANY use of post of the attached USAfrica pictures Will REQUIRE photo credit: USAfrica Best of Africa awards photo, Houston 2012

Photo 1: Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha proudly displays his USAfrica Best of Africa International Legislative Leadership award; alongside U.S Congressman Hon. Al Green. photo credit: USAfrica Best of Africa awards photo, by Mauricio Brown, Houston 2012

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Photo 2: USAfrica multimedia networks Founder Dr. Chido Nwangwu congratulating Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha on receiving the USAfrica Best of Africa. U.S Congressman Hon. Al Green is in the middle. photo credit: USAfrica Best of Africa awards photo, by Anthony Smith Jnr., Houston 2012.