US-based Nigerian, Stella Okengwu Bags Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
Precious Ugwuzor
United States-based Nigerian engineer, Mrs Stella Okengwu, has been honoured with the prestigious Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to society and her efforts in fostering economic development in Nigeria. Mrs Okengwu was one of four distinguished personalities celebrated during the ceremony, alongside Michael Flynn, Dr Alveda Thomas, and Catalina Stube.
The award comes at a time when Mrs Okengwu’s efforts to facilitate a $250 million investment into the Nigerian economy by Nigerians in the Diaspora are facing challenges in her homeland. She has played a pivotal role in encouraging hundreds of Nigerians living abroad to repatriate substantial funds through the Winhomes Global Estate scheme. However, the initiative has come under threat due to the diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Highway in Okun Ajah by officials of the Federal Ministry of Works.
Nigerians in the Diaspora have instituted legal action against the diversion, citing violations of the 2006 Gazetted Alignment and accusing the ministry of favouring individuals who unlawfully constructed on the designated section of the road. The group is urging adherence to due diligence to safeguard their investments and restore confidence in development projects back home.
In response, Mrs Okengwu has expressed her commitment to supporting the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She has called on the president to intervene in the matter, emphasising the importance of protecting the interests of Nigerian Diasporans who are contributing to the country’s economic growth. Mrs Okengwu noted that such intervention would inspire greater confidence among Nigerians abroad to invest in the nation’s development.
This recognition of Mrs Okengwu’s efforts underscores her dedication to fostering progress and collaboration between Nigerians in the Diaspora and their home country, solidifying her position as a leader in championing transformative change.
