Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, his Benue State counterpart, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Former Transport Minister and two-time Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and veteran journalist-cum politician, Dele Momodu, were among the distinguished personalities that shined at the 9th Edition of the Nigeria Most Influential Awards 2024 (NMIA).
The 2024 edition of the NMIA with the theme, “Impacting the Nation for National Development”, culminated in a star-studded award ceremony, which was held at the Transcorp Hilton Congress Hall, Abuja, on Friday, November 29.
Governor Lawal and Governor Alia were recipients of Best Performing Governor of the Year and Peoples Governor of the Year awards, respectively, while Hon. Ayodele Olawande received the award of the Most Outstanding Minister of the year.
Other big winners of the night included Former Kogi State First Lady, Mrs. Rashida Yahaya Bello, Founder of ThisDAY Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena (CON), Founder of La-Joie Homebase Ltd, Hanne Nutinnen, International Businesswoman, Lily Grace Odey, and Chief Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa, CEO of Reigh Advertising & Consulting.
In addition, CEO and Founder of Asma’u and Hassan Foundation Haj.Hussaina A. Sule was recognised for her outstanding performance in humanitarian services to the orphans, widows, and less privileged in Nasarawa State and across Nigeria at large.
Convener of the NMIA, Ambassador Vivian Elegalam in her opening address, noted that the award event, hosted in collaboration with V-GLAMOUR MAGAZINE was geared towards recognising and celebrating outstanding personalities and organizations in both government and private sectors who have made significant contributions to nation-building.
She said 28 awardees were slated for this year’s edition, and they went through a selection process from the public.
“The awardees were selected through a meticulous process that included public nominations, followed by a thorough review by a panel of experts, leading to a final decision by the awards committee based on the nominees’ impact and contributions.
“The NMIA creates an avenue for people to know that people are actually watching. So whatever you do in life, know that people are watching. So most times we do things without thinking that people are really watching us.
“So it’s just to encourage people to do their best, to encourage people to give back to society, to encourage people to make more impact. So it has actually helped a whole lot of people to sit up,” Elegalam stated.
Along with notable live performances by comedians and guest artists, the 9th edition of the NMIA featured Nollywood celebrities Amb. King Tonto Dike and Chuks D General as the event’s official hosts.