By Peoples’ Guide Reporters
In recognition of his security and peace initiatives, the Nigeria Army has conferred on Ikwo Council Boss, Barr Sunday Nwankwo an excellent security and peace Award.
The Award was conferred on Barr Nwankwo by the Military Cantonment, Abuja, led by Major Ayo Omojokun–Defence Media Correspondents from the Defence Media Operations and Lieutenant Colonel Ikenna Emmanuel Chielo–The Military Cantonment Commander, Nkwegu, Abakaliki, alongside his team on 21st January, 2026 while on special visits and tour of the Council.
The visit was aimed at evaluating how the Army has helped to promote peace, especially in Ikwo LGA; and to equally assess the prevailing security situation in Ikwo, particularly to evaluate progress made since the establishment of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the area, and to identify security challenges that have been addressed as well as those requiring further attention.
The visit also featured an interactive session involving the military delegation and key stakeholders of Ikwo LGA, including traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youth organizations, and other critical segments of the society.
Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Colonel Ikenna Emmanuel Chidi expressed appreciation to the people of Ikwo Noyo Clan for their hospitality and cooperation. He also commended the Executive Chairman for his proactive approach to security matters and praised the synergy between the Ikwo LGA leadership and stakeholders, which he said has continued to sustain peace, unity, and stability in the area.
In his response, the Chairman, Barr. Sunday Basil Nwankwo, after responding to a series of questions from both the military delegation and Ikwo indigenes, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Army for their invaluable contributions to peace and security in Ikwo.
He lauded their firm yet diplomatic approach, which has drastically reduced crime rates across the LGA. The Chairman expressed optimism that the visit would further strengthen security operations, enhance law and order, and foster a more focused and goal-oriented future for the youths of Ikwo Noyo Clan.
Speaking during the interaction, the President of the Ikwo Noyo Youths Consultative Forum, Dr. Onyechi Nwankwo, expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government, The executive governor of Ebonyi State, and the Nigerian Army for the establishment of the military base in Ikwo. He commended the military for their swift responses to security threats whenever called upon. Dr. Nwankwo noted that the presence of the military has significantly curtailed long-standing inter-community conflicts, suppressed criminal activities, and reduced insurgency and other social vices across Ikwo communities.
Also speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs. Ngozi Igwe applauded the military leadership for their outstanding discipline and professionalism, especially in the hinterlands of Ikwo, which she said has brought calm and lasting peace to every nook and cranny of the LGA. She further commended the Council Chairman for his relentless efforts toward restoring and sustaining peace in Ikwo, describing him as an “Ambassador of Peace.”
In his remarks, HRH Eze Dominic I. Alo, speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, thanked the visiting military officers for establishing a military presence in Ikwo, which has greatly reduced criminal activities and restored peace across communities. He noted that the intervention has also brought immense relief to traditional institutions in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Highlight of the event was the conferment of an “Excellence Security Award” on the Executive Chairman, Barr. (Chief) Sunday Basil Nwankwo, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to peace and security in Ikwo LGA. The event also featured a group photograph with dignitaries present, including the Vice Chairman, Ikwo LGA; the Leader and Members of the Ikwo Legislative Council; Traditional Rulers; former House of Representatives member and Chairman, Ebonyi State House of Assembly Civil Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Chief Francis Elem; Prof. Okpata; IDU President, Dr. Sam Egwu; Hon. Eze Alaka; DC Coordinators; Ikwo Noyo Youths Consultative Forum; women organizations; former council chairmen; councillors from various wards; and other stakeholders.
