Musa, Keyamo, Olukoyede, Onyema receive national leadership awards

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.); Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede; and Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, were among prominent Nigerians honoured at the 2026 Nigeria’s Pride Awards.

The award recipients were recognised for their contributions to national development, patriotism, public service, enterprise and humanitarian activities at the ceremony held on Tuesday, November 10, at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.

The event, organised by First Green White Resource Centre (FGWRC), had the theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Patriotism, Sacrifice and Outstanding Service to Nigeria.”

Musa received the Lifetime Distinction Award for Excellence, Patriotism, Sacrifice and Exemplary National Service, while Keyamo was honoured as Most Impactful Minister of the Decade and for Outstanding Aviation Investment and Global Partnership.

Olukoyede received the Courageous Leadership in Anti-Corruption and Exemplary Integrity Award, while Onyema and Air Peace were recognised as Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Decade and Best Airline of the Decade, respectively.

Other award recipients included Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who was named Overall Best Governor of the Year; retired General Paul Boroh, who received the Peace-building, National Stability and Human Capital Development Award; and Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who was honoured as Lawmaker of the Decade.

Speaking after receiving his award, Musa dedicated the recognition to Nigerian troops, whom he said were working day and night to make the country safe for its citizens.

The minister, represented by Ogidi Paul, a director in the Ministry of Defence, commended the organisers for recognising Nigerians and non-Nigerians contributing positively to the country’s growth.

Chairman of the occasion, Paul Boroh, said the awards had become an important pillar in Nigeria’s quest for national excellence, providing an opportunity to showcase the exceptional talents, creativity and resilience of Nigerians across different sectors.

Addressing the economic prospects of the country, the retired general argued that Nigeria was not poor but a resource-rich nation whose enormous potential remained largely untapped.

He identified the country’s youthful population, oil and gas resources, solid minerals, agricultural land, coastline and entrepreneurial population as strategic assets capable of driving sustainable economic growth.

Boroh, however, challenged stakeholders to move beyond identifying these opportunities and develop practical strategies for converting them into investments, employment, infrastructure, peace and shared prosperity.

“Sustainable investment means investment that does not just come and go. It means investment that stays, that grows, that empowers our communities, that protects our environment, and that gives our youth a reason to believe in Nigeria,” he said.

Drawing from his experience in the Niger Delta and the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Boroh emphasised the relationship between peace and economic development, warning that insecurity could undermine efforts to attract and retain investors.

“No investor will come where there is no peace, and no peace will last where there is no investment. Peace and investment must walk together,” he declared.

The EFCC chairman, Olukoyede, said Nigeria was a nation blessed with extraordinary talents, resilience and a spirit that refused to be defeated.

He said Nigerians were breaking barriers in science, sports, arts, business, technology, public service and community development across the world.

Olukoyede, represented by a team of officers led by Aisha Mohammed, Assistant Commander and Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation, said the negative actions of a few Nigerians involved in fraud and corruption had often overshadowed the achievements of millions of honest citizens.

“That is why this event is so important. The Nigeria’s Pride Award is not just an award ceremony, it is a national statement, it is a declaration that integrity still pays, excellence still matters, and hard work still has a reward in Nigeria,” he said.

He said the EFCC’s responsibility was to fight activities that brought shame to the country and protect the reputation of honest Nigerians.

According to him, the commission fights internet fraud, money laundering and corruption because such crimes affect honest students seeking visas, businessmen seeking foreign investment and young Nigerians pursuing global opportunities.

Olukoyede, however, said enforcement alone could not change the country’s story, stressing the need to celebrate people who upheld integrity and excellence.

“When we celebrate honest entrepreneurs, we discourage Yahoo-Yahoo. When we celebrate diligent civil servants, we discourage bribery. When we celebrate teachers, doctors, innovators, and youth leaders who refuse to cut corners, we are building a culture of integrity,” he said.

Congratulating the award recipients, he described them as ambassadors of a new Nigeria, adding that their achievements demonstrated that success could be attained without compromising integrity.

“You do not need to steal to shine. You do not need to cheat to succeed. You do not need to compromise to become great. Your story is the story we want every Nigerian to hear,” he said.

The EFCC chairman commended the organisers and said the commission would continue to partner with platforms promoting value reorientation and national pride.

On his part, Onyema, who was represented by Efe Osifo Whiskey, Communications Manager, Air Peace, praised the organisers for their foresight and patriotism, saying many Nigerians making significant contributions to the country were not adequately recognised.

He said Air Peace had continued to fly Nigeria’s flag across nations and continents as a leading airline in the West African sub-region.

According to him, the airline had contributed to the aviation industry through job creation, investment in aircraft, improved connectivity and promotion of indigenous participation in international aviation.

Onyema said the airline had also intervened in national emergencies, including evacuating Nigerians stranded abroad, supporting national sporting activities and promoting initiatives aimed at making air travel more accessible.

Earlier, the convener of the awards and founder of First Green White Resource Centre, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, said the initiative was established to recognise Nigerians whose achievements, sacrifices and contributions continued to advance the country despite its challenges.

Melah said negative developments often dominated public discourse, leaving the achievements of hardworking Nigeria.