Nigerians, agencies encouraged to promote services

Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday, received two categories of awards – Best Governor on Security and Most People-Oriented Governor, at the maiden edition of Nigeria’s Pride Awards which took place in Abuja.

The event was organised by African Leadership Scorecard Magazine, Nationwide Reports and the Beauties of Nigeria TV.

Former Senate President, Anyim Puis Anyim, was also honured with “Icon of Democracy and Transparent Leadership,” in recognition of his leadership style when he served in that capacity, as well as when he became Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). He was represented by Senator Obinna Ogba, who also chaired the ceremony.

Dr. Sarah Jibrin, former presidential adviser on ethics and values, served as Mother of the Day, while John Bala Asate, Director, Documentation, Translation and Publicity, represented the Director-General National Orientation of Agency (NOA) as Guest Speaker.

Other awardees include Mouktar Aliyu Betara as “Best People-Oriented Lawmaker of the Year; Dr Chioma Ejikeme, immediate past Executive Secretary of PTAD, who was named “Pensioners’ Angel,” Dr Jumai Ahmadu, Founder of Helpline Foundation, who emerged as “Mother of the Poor,” human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof Mike Ozekhome, recognised as the “Most Fearless Lawyer of the Year’ and Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Ali Isa JC- “Best Grassroots Lawmaker of the Year.”

Amb John Metchie, African Director, Deputy Commander-General NHFSS in charge of Intelligence, was recognised as “Prince of Peace and Reconciliation.” Mas’ud Musa Bashir, a Sokoto Prince and President of Aleena Petroleum, was honoured as “Young Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year”, while Dr Tony Ojukwu ( SAN), the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission, was acknowledged as “Champion of Human Rights.”

Two federal government agencies, PTAD and NHRC, were also honured for their quality service delivery, especially deployment of modern technology to make much-needed difference.

Speaking after receiving the two awards, Governor Zulum, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Alhaji Dauda Iliya and four other personalities, expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying: “I am exceedingly delighted to stand before you today at the 2024 Nigeria’s Pride Awards, an event thoughtfully organised by some of our nation’s most esteemed media professionals and organisations in journalism and communication.”

He continued: “I extend my gratitude to the organisers for giving me two prestigious awards: Best Governor on Security and Most People-Oriented Governor,” and reaffirmed that Borno has attained a substantial level of peace and is “no longer the epicentre of crisis.

“Borno State, once the epicentre of Boko Haram insurgency, has, by the grace of Almighty Allah, reclaimed its identity as the Home of Peace and Hospitality.

“In the last five years, we have resettled over one million displaced persons in their communities from IDP camps. Thousands of houses have been built or rehabilitated in conflict-affected areas, creating resettlement hubs for these returnees, signalling the return of peace to Borno.”

Dr Chioma Ejike thanked the organisers for the award.

Also responding, Betara, who was represented by Emeka Onohu, said the award was a call to do more for the people of his constituency and Nigerians in general, adding that to whom much is given, much more is expected.

Ahmadu, founder of Helpline Foundation, said nothing was too small to be given, adding and that nobody was too poor to help others.

Ozekhome, who was represented by his son, said fighting for the rights of the less- privileged and the oppressed had been a childhood passion, and pledged to continue to deploy his resources to give meaning to the lives of others and a better society.

Metchie, who was represented by one Mr Steve, pledged to continue to cater for the less-privileged members of the society and build bridges of peaceful reconciliation among communities in conflict across the world.

The programme facilitator, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, said the initiative was borne out of the need to find out and applaud those who are adding value to the society through quality services, adding that it was one of the ways to encourage them, and inspire others to commit themselves to the upliftment of humanity. He said that the award is an annual event, going forward.

Highlight of the occasion was performance by the NYSC Cultural Troupe which with its theme centered on a united Nigeria.