Funmi Ogundare
For his exemplary leadership qualities, outstanding personal achievements, as well as selfless service to humanity, the Centre for Policy Development and Political Studies (CEPODEPS), has honoured the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Chemstar Group, Dr. Emmanuel Awode, with the Lagos State Man of the Year Award (LASMAYA) 2021.
He was selected and nominated alongside other 9 nominees by a 9-man selection committee comprising researchers, writers, academics and media practitioners after a vigorous assessment and rating exercise using opinion polls of the public, consistent high moral standard and integrity.
He scored 6,150 votes (being more than 50 per cent of the total number of valid votes cast) to emerge the winner of the 9th edition of the award.
Speaking at the award ceremony held recently, in Lagos, the Chief Organiser, CEPODEPS, Dr. Aderemi Aderemi affirmed that it is noble to acknowledge and reward excellence in a country like Nigeria where cynicism prevailed in many quarters, adding that there is need to appreciate those who strive to make positive changes in the society.
According to him, “when hard work, transparency and integrity are celebrated, corruption and bad performances are driven away and when you work very hard, people will celebrate you. Recognising people who have done well, will inspire others to work hard and we should also bear in mind that everything is about money or enormous material possession.”
He expressed excitement about the support and credibility attached to the project particularly during the voting period conducted through SMS from September 20 to 26, 2021.
Aderemi said the centre was created as an award platform to pay tribute to excellence and to recognise, reward project outstanding personal achievements in the public and private sector in the state.
Guests, friends and family who were present at the programme described Awode as a philanthropist who had impacted lives, adding that he is a caring and peace loving man.
They congratulated him for the honour.
In his acceptance speech, Awode expressed excitement about the award saying that despite the fact that he had received several awards in the past, nine had been keenly contested for like LASMAYA.
He recalled that he had always wanted to become an entrepreneur of note even after his tertiary education and work only for a little time in order to gather managerial skills before pursuing his entrepreneurial aspiration, adding, ” this really informed my short stint in paid employment.
“Our market share is so substantial to the extent that there is no cranny or corner throughout the country where you would not find a Finecoat or Shield paint container. Within the Chemstar Group, we have been able to provide gainful employment to over 1,000 Nigerians.”
Awode said the award will spur him to further support more humanitarian ideas, engage more hands in gainful employments.
