Governance Today Nigeria was founded on June 12, 2010, to report events, personalities, leadership, and good governance. It also stands to hold officeholders accountable to the people who elected them. Governance Today is published by SYLNE AFRICA COMMUNICATIONS LTD. It is Nigeria’s most authoritative news magazine on politics, business, professionals, diplomacy, the elite, and broader middle classes while serving as the meeting point of new ideas, culture, and technology for individuals and the larger society.
The Good Governance Achievers Award, an annual special event, took place at the prestigious Nigerian National Merit House, Maitama in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of exemplary leadership and governance in Nigeria. The event was not only a celebration of outstanding individuals but also an investiture and a platform for insightful discussions on governance, making it a multifaceted occasion that left a lasting impact on all attendees.
The awards ceremony welcomed a distinguished array of dignitaries, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who won Nigeria’s Most Active Chief of Defence Personality of the Year in the security categories. In the Governors categories, His Excellency Dikko Umar Radda, the Governor of Katsina State, emerged Nigeria’s Most Outstanding/Performing on People’s Welfare Governor of the Year. His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, won Good Governance Best Governor of the Year. Niger State Governor Umar Mohammed Bago won Nigeria’s Agricultural Revolutionist Governor of the Year. In the Ministers categories, His Excellency, Hon. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT, won Nigeria’s Most Outstanding/Performing Minister of the Year. Hon. Tunji Ojo won Nigeria’s Outstanding Minister of the Year, and Hon. Festus Keyamo,(SAN) also won Nigeria’s Outstanding Minister of the Year.
In the Legal categories, Chief Mike Ozekhome won Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Advocate of the Year. SAN Ola Olanipekun won Nigeria’s Outstanding Advocate of the Year. Dr. Collins Aimuan, founder of Philomath University, won Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Legal Luminary & Academic Personality of the Year. Barr. Mrs. Amina Suzannah Agbaje, FIDA Vice President, Nigeria, won Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Women Advocate Personality of the Year, and Barr. Chibuzor Maureen Nwosu won FCT FIDA Personality of the Year. His Excellency Dr. Anyim Nyerere, the Chairman of the occasion, won Nigeria’s Most Prudent Accountability Personality of the Year. Dr. Kunle Egbeleke won Nigeria’s Most Prudent/Accountant Personality of the Year. Dr. Adetona Shina, former director at NECO, won the Lifetime Achievers Personality of the Year. Mr. Akinloye Okunfolani, Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (retired), won Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Civil Servant Personality of the Year. Under the Communities categories, Professor Eunice Omonzejie of Ambrose Alli University, Edo State, won Edo State’s Most Outstanding Community Advancer/Development Personality of the Year.
Also awarded was Hon. Christopher Zakha Maikalangu, the Executive Chairman of AMAC, as Nigeria’s Most Performing Local Government Chairman of the Year. Professor Gylyuch Jelilov, Vice Chancellor of Philomath University, won Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Innovative Academic Administrative VC Personality of the Year. In the Media categories, Dr. Ebere Young won Nigeria’s Most Articulate Event/Media Anchor Personality of the Year. The newly elected Nigerian Union of Journalists, FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, won Nigeria’s Best Media Personality of the Year. In the ICT categories, Dr. Chuks Mavis Ujomor won Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Data Software Solutions Innovative Personality of the Year. In the Political Parties categories, Mr. Abdullahi Shuaibu emerged Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Political Loyalist Personality of the Year. In the Decorations and Events Management categories, Rock of Ages stood out as Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Decorations & Event Professional Managers of the Year. In the Properties and Real Estate categories, Hon. Joshua Adejoh, CEO of UpTop Limited, won Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Young Real Estate Personality of the Year. Also, in the Tourism and Hospitality categories, Exclusive Serene Hotel won Federal Territory Capital’s Fastest Rising Hotel of the Year. The Director General of NYSC won Nigeria’s Most Outstanding NYSC Personality of the Year. Various honorable guests from different sectors attended, highlighting the event’s importance.
The presence of such influential figures underscored the significance of good governance and the collective commitment to fostering a better Nigeria.
The evening commenced with a thought-provoking lecture focused on the theme of effective governance in contemporary Nigeria. Esteemed speakers, including scholars and practitioners in the field, shared their insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the nation. Their discussions not only enlightened the audience but also inspired a renewed sense of purpose among those in attendance, emphasizing the crucial role of dedicated leadership in driving progress and development.
As the main highlight of the event, the Good Governance Achievers Awards were presented to numerous individuals who have excelled in their respective professions. The awardees, representing various fields such as education, healthcare, public service, and entrepreneurship, were celebrated for their unwavering commitment to excellence and their significant contributions to society. Each honoree expressed their profound gratitude during their acceptance speeches, sharing personal anecdotes that resonated with the audience. Their heartfelt words reflected the importance of recognition in motivating individuals to continue striving for greatness in their endeavors.
The awards were a testament to the organizers’ dedication to promoting good governance and celebrating those who embody its principles. The applause that resonated through the venue as each awardee was announced served as a powerful reminder of the collective aspiration for a more accountable and transparent leadership in Nigeria.
Mr. Sylvester Omose, the event’s convener, delivered remarks that resonated deeply with the audience. He encouraged the awardees to continue their good work and to serve as role models in their communities. His message underscored the vital importance of integrity and service in leadership, urging all present to remain committed to the principles of good governance. Omose also took the opportunity to thank the collaborators, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), for their invaluable support in organizing the event. Their partnership was instrumental in ensuring the success of the awards and in promoting the ideals of responsible journalism and accountability.
Adding to the evening’s significance was the unveiling of the maiden edition of the Governance Today magazine. This publication aims to serve as a vital resource for discussions surrounding governance, policy-making, and civic engagement. The launch was met with enthusiasm, as attendees recognized the magazine’s potential to foster informed dialogue and encourage active participation in the democratic process. The magazine promises to highlight success stories, share best practices, and provide a platform for thought leaders to contribute to the ongoing discourse on governance in Nigeria.
The event concluded with a networking session, allowing attendees to engage and exchange ideas. The atmosphere was filled with optimism and a shared commitment to advancing the principles of good governance in Nigeria. Organizers and participants alike left the venue inspired to continue their efforts in promoting accountability, transparency, and excellence in leadership.
In summary, the Good Governance Achievers Awards was not just an event; it was a celebration of the spirit of resilience and dedication to public service that exists within Nigeria. It showcased the incredible potential of its leaders and citizens to effect positive change, paving the way for a brighter future. The success of the event is a testament to the organizers’ vision and commitment to honoring those who strive for excellence in governance, ultimately contributing to the nation’s progress and development.
