The Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Hon. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, was on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, conferred with a prestigious Golden Award of Excellence by the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Enugu Branch, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to conflict resolution and agricultural development in the state.
The award ceremony, which took place at Justice Uwazulike Hall in Enugu, brought together eminent personalities from the legal, political, and public service sectors. The ICMC noted that the award was bestowed on Hon. Ubru in acknowledgment of his effective application of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in resolving land-related conflicts, particularly those affecting agricultural communities across Enugu State.
According to the institute, Hon. Ubru’s mediation efforts have significantly fostered peaceful coexistence among farmers and landowners, thereby enhancing productivity, attracting agro-investments, and strengthening rural livelihoods. His proactive interventions have been commended for preventing tensions from escalating into violent disputes—especially in rural agrarian zones.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Ubru expressed deep appreciation to the ICMC for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful engagement in community affairs. He praised the institute’s efforts in championing dialogue over violence, stating that the award serves as motivation to further deepen peacebuilding strategies in the agricultural sector.
“This recognition reaffirms our belief that peaceful resolution of conflict is key to sustainable development. As a government under His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, we are committed to expanding the state's economy from $10 billion to $30 billion, and agriculture is a major pillar of that vision. Without peace in our farming communities, that dream cannot be realized,” he stated.
The commissioner further emphasized the alignment between the ICMC's objectives and the Mbah administration’s drive to industrialize agriculture, create jobs, and boost food security.
The event was graced by several dignitaries including Hon. Lloyd Ekweremmadu, members of the Enugu State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and members of the judiciary. Hon. Justice Ani, who represented the Chief Judge of Enugu State, applauded Hon. Ubru’s approach to community engagement and conflict resolution, describing him as a "trailblazer in the integration of ADR into public administration."
The award, according to the organizers, serves not only as recognition of past achievements but also as a challenge to public officeholders to embrace non-violent conflict resolution as a tool for governance and development.
