LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Loretta Nwanyibunya Smith upon the occa-
sion of her designation as recipient of the prestigious Mother's Day
Award by the National Action Network and Gateway Christian Center

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Loretta Nwanyibunya Smith upon the occasion of her designation as recip-
ient of the prestigious Mother's Day Award by the National Action
Network and Gateway Christian Center, to be celebrated at its Government
Gala Awards Ceremony, on Sunday, May 10, 2015, at Jericho Terrace,
Mineola, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is given to women who have demonstrated
exemplary works, services, and commitment to the people of their commu-
nities; Loretta Nwanyibunya Smith truly deserves this honor for her
contributions to the citizens of Nigeria; and
WHEREAS, Loretta Nwanyibunya Smith was born in 1948, to Mr. and Mrs.
Akpani in Ibusa Delta, Nigeria; she earned a Bachelor of Science degree
in Business Administration from Roosevelt University, Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Loretta Nwanyibunya Smith furthered her education by receiv-
ing a diploma in both Legal Secretarial studies and Travel and Tourism
from Pitman College, London; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from college, Loretta Nwanyibunya Smith was
employed as a Travel Agent; in 1975, she moved back to Nigeria to start
the Bon Voyage Travel Agency, specializing in full-suite travel manage-
ment services; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its 35 years of service, the Bon Voyage Travel
Agency has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades from
major airlines, tour operators, and several other companies in Nigeria;
and
WHEREAS, Loretta Nwanyibunya Smith also opened the Hotel Bon Voyage in
Nigeria, which has also received many honors; and
WHEREAS, Active in her community, Loretta Nwanyibunya Smith has helped
many people in numerous ways, including feeding and clothing less fortu-
nate elderly citizens and children who reside in orphanage homes, coun-
seling wrongly detained Nigerian prisoners, creating jobs for unemployed
youths and adults, giving marital advice, and housing the homeless; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Loretta Nwanyibunya Smith upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the prestigious Mother's Day Award by the National Action
Network and Gateway Christian Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Loretta Nwanyibunya Smith, the National Action Network, and
the Gateway Christian Center.