NICOSIA – In a beautiful and modest ceremony, the Municipality of Athienou honored businessman and philanthropist Nikos Mouyiaris with the golden key of the city for his many contributions to Cyprus and his hometown. The honoree was proclaimed as a worthy son and a great benefactor of his hometown, Athienou, which he loves so much and visits very often.

Mouyiaris is the Founder and President of Manna Products, the largest U.S. cosmetics company based in New York, Vice President of the Pancyprian Association of America, and Founder and President of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).

During the event, held in the crowded Konstantineio Municipal Park of Athienou, in an emotional atmosphere and with the warm applause of the attendees, the golden key of the city was presented to Mouyiaris.

Mouyiaris, clearly moved by the presentation, thanked Mayor Kiriakos Kareklis and the Athienou Municipal Council for the great honor, as well as all those who honored him with their presence. He expressed his joy for the progress of his hometown for which, he said, he feels great pride.

He also noted that he considers it his obligation and duty to assist his birthplace and to fight for the freedom of long-suffering Cyprus.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Kareklas said that “Athienou would not be what it is today, without the selfless and continuous support of Nikos Mouyiaris. A support that we who deal with social issues all appreciate. Because Nikos helps not only the Municipality, but also all the social groups of Athienou.”

Mayor Kareklas read the proclamations of the Municipal Council and the School Board that were passed unanimously as a token of appreciation and gratitude to their great benefactor and which included:

The creation of a “Nikos Mouyiaris” medal, which will be given only in exceptional cases and to distinguished persons, the Amphitheatre Hall to be erected at the Athienou Elementary School will be named the “Nikos Mouyiaris Amphitheatre Hall,” and the main road south of Athienou, the one connecting the two traffic junctions will be named “Nikos Mouyiaris Avenue.”

The keynote speaker was Professor of Genetics, former Health Minister, Dr. Philip Patsalis, a personal friend of the honoree, who outlined the personality of the noble pioneer and uniquely talented Nikos Mouyiaris.

The honoree’s wife, Carol, was also present and offered her heartfelt words.

A congratulatory message from the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades was also read at the ceremony.