A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Time Frank, has commended the recent life-time achievement award conferred on a Nigerian-born American Professor of Medicine, Dr. Nnaemeka Umerah, by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden.
Frank described the honour as a well-deserved recognition, adding that “The Professor of medicine is a shining light not only in Nigeria but also in diaspora.”
The Presidential Lifetime Service Award in the United States is one of the most prestigious civil recognitions in the United States, bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to volunteer service and building a stronger nation.
While giving the award, President Joe Biden said; “The American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. I congratulate you in taking it upon yourself to contribute to the public good and I am proud to present you with Presidential Lifetime Service Award in recognition to your service to this great nation.”
In a congratulatory message he signed on Friday in Abuja, Timi Frank thanked President Joe Biden and the Government of United States of America for recognising the efforts and contribution of Prof. Umerah in the nation building.
Frank said that at home in Nigeria, the Anambra-born Umerah has continued to impact lives positively through various initiatives across the political zones.
While describing Umerah as a humanist and philanthropist, Frank said the US-based professor has built one of the largest orphanages in Nigeria, renovated many schools across the country and provided boreholes in some rural communities in the Northern Nigeria.
Frank, however, called on Nigerian government to emulate US government and honour the Professor of Medicine at home, adding that such gesture will spur him and others to do more for the country.
The statement said: “It is an honour well deserved on your part considering your years of contributions to better humanity both in Nigeria and in the United States of America.”
“For us, we are happy to celebrate this milestone and identify with your achievements as a humanist and a philanthropist of high repute. Thank you for making Nigeria and Nigerians proud,” Timi Frank added.