IZUNNA OKAFOR WINS THE NIGERIA HERITAGE ICON AWARD 2016

Izunna I. Okafor, an Anambra-born Young Nigerian Writer has trophied the 2016 edition of the Nigerian Heritage Icon Award as the Best Young Writer of the Year 2016.

Izunna who is also a 300 level student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka bagged this National Award for his quintessential and impeccable professionalism in the writing field. He is among the few and critically selected Nigerians who made it to the winning list of this  year's monumental edition of this nation wide award.

In the word of Mr. Michael, the award coordinator, "this year's nominations were  completely much and enormous both in quantity and quality  far beyond what it used to be; and this made it the toughest year for our judges to determine the winners"

"But after a long and critical assessment and scrutiny, we were able to fetch out these few winners as the most qualified for the great award. They are men who have proved their worth and who have distinguished themselves in their various fields and areas of endeavors" he added.

Alongside Izunna, other  prominent Nigerian Stars including Chioma Jesus were also among the awardees at this great event which took place in the Mich-Royal Hotels and suits at Awka the capital city of Anambra State on the 16th of December.

"We have chosen Awka as the venue for hosting this year's edition of this great event due to the complete and intact security situation and peacefulness for which the state is known" Mr. Michael added

According to the Chief Jury,   Izunna Okafor is a Young Nigerian Writer with a difference and uniqueness, such of which he has not seen before. And his works, profile, achievements and impacts could testify more of that as well as speak more of his merit and qualification for this award as the Young Writer of the Year 2016.

Izunna who hails from Ebenator in the Nnewi South L.G.A of Anambra state is an award-winning Young Writer who has written and published various books both in the soft and hard copies, including novels, articles, poems and short stories, and he writes both in the English and Igbo Languages. He has also won and been nominated for various awards including the Nigerian Writers Award/Indigenous Writer of the Year 2015/2016; AEYCA/Outstanding Youth of the Year 2016; Pita Nwana Prize for Igbo Literature 2015; SLAM Hero Youth Award 2016; N.Y.S.C. Essay Competition 2012, among others.
He's also currently in the nominee list of the 2016 Future Award Africa.
Izunna is also an Igbo activist who has taken the gospel of the Igbo Language and the need for its sustenance to every nook and cranny across the world through his writing.
"Next year's edition will be far greater than this year's hopefully and by His Grace" said Mr. Michael as the event rolled to the end with smiles on the participants' faces.