The Chief Executive Officer, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Lucy Abagi, has been presented with the Icon of Transparency and Good Governance Award by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The award, which was conferred during a ceremony attended by student leaders and other dignitaries, recognized her contributions to promoting accountability, civic participation, and open governance in Nigeria.
NANS National Director of Research and Innovation, Comrade Sadiq Zango, said the award was more than a courtesy visit.
He praised Abagi’s stewardship at PPDC, describing her as a “beacon of hope” in a country where integrity in governance is urgently needed.
According to him, the decision to honour Abagi was based on her demonstrable impact in strengthening transparency frameworks in both public and private institutions.
He said NANS carefully considered her track record before conferring the award, stressing that the recognition was a reflection of the student body’s commitment to values-driven leadership.
Zango added that Abagi’s work through PPDC had inspired young Nigerians to believe in civic engagement and the power of collective action.
He noted that initiatives like Budeshi and the Digital Academy were directly shaping a new generation of leaders who understood that accountability was non-negotiable.
He further urged other civil society leaders, policymakers, and government officials to emulate Abagi’s example by embracing transparency as a national ethic.
“Nigeria cannot move forward unless openness becomes the norm rather than the exception. We are here to celebrate a national figure whose leadership has redefined the standards of governance, accountability, and public service,” Zango said.
Also, Chairperson, National Association of University Students Campus Monitoring Committee for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Salamatu Dawood, highlighted Abagi’s courage and commitment to service.
She noted that Abagi had consistently demonstrated rare qualities of integrity, resilience, and dedication to the welfare of her peers, even in the face of challenges. According to her, the CEO’s leadership style was anchored on selflessness and an unwavering desire to leave a positive impact on both the academic environment and the wider society.
Dawood emphasized that these values made her not just a representative of students’ interests, but also a role model whose example could inspire the next generation of leaders.
In her acceptance remarks, Abagi described the award as both “humbling and profoundly significant,” noting that it carried special weight because it came from students.
Abagi highlighted PPDC’s mission of empowering citizens with knowledge as a means to transform governance systems.
She pointed to initiatives such as Budeshi, a platform that opens up procurement data for public scrutiny, and the Access to Justice Programme, which provides representation for marginalized voices. She also referenced the Digital Academy for Youth, which equips young Nigerians with technological and leadership skills to drive innovation.
“These efforts show that open data, civic technology, and citizen participation are not abstract concepts, but essential tools for strengthening democracy, building a fair economy, and fostering social justice,” she stated.
She called for stronger partnerships between students, civic organizations, and reformers across sectors to entrench integrity and citizens’ power in governance.
