Philanthropist Dr Uche Iro has been honoured by the Nigeria Union of Journalists South East Zone for his selfless service to humanity and sustained impact on vulnerable communities.

The honour came as a Lifetime Humanitarian Service Award presented to him at the NUJ Press Center in Owerri.

Dr Iro is the Founder and President of The STRIVAD Foundation and Chairman of STRIVAD Group of Companies. He was also formally conferred as Patron of NUJ South East Zone.

Presenting the award, the Vice President of South East NUJ Zone C Comrade Chief Ezenwa Adiuku said the union took the decision after close observation of Dr Iro contributions to social upliftment and national development.

According to him, the work of The STRIVAD Foundation in supporting the underserved and the vulnerable remains exemplary and worthy of emulation.

He said the Zonal Executive Council unanimously agreed to bestow on him both the Humanitarian Leadership Award and the Patronship in recognition of his outstanding track record.

Adiuku highlighted some of his interventions which include consistent support to teachers and students across the South East and Nigeria at large, award of educational scholarships, introduction of a Post Apprenticeship Scheme that helps young artisans establish themselves and become self reliant.

Others are free medical outreach programmes, regular distribution of relief palliatives to indigent aged persons, women empowerment initiatives designed to promote financial independence at grassroots level and community development projects targeted at poverty reduction.

Responding after receiving the honour, Dr Iro commended journalists in the zone for maintaining balanced reportage.

He expressed gratitude to the NUJ for finding him worthy of the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to work closely with the media to drive development and uplift vulnerable groups.