By Chukwuma Umeorah
Group Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers Limited, Dr. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, has called on Nigerian leaders to abandon the growing culture of palliatives and adopt lasting solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
Speaking at the Champion Annual Awards in Lagos on Saturday, Iheakanwa noted that while the country is making progress, it has yet to fully overcome the economic hardship affecting ordinary Nigerians.
“Our joy lies in the realization that our dear country, Nigeria, is not running in circles but is on the path of growth and development even when we would have desired a faster and more calculated effort at achieving it,” she stated.
Highlighting concerns over inflation, insecurity, and dwindling purchasing power, she added, “We should, as a nation, be quick to discard the prevailing culture of palliatives and handouts. Since the whole essence of government and governance is to guarantee the welfare of citizens, we urge the administration to entrench short-, medium-, and long-term growth strategies.”
Despite these concerns, the evening was one of celebration and appreciation, as the media group rolled out the red carpet to honour 41 eminent Nigerians and institutions for their remarkable contributions to nation-building.
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, was honoured as Man of the Year/Global Business Icon, while leading banks and their executives also claimed top honours. Zenith Bank Plc emerged as Bank of the Year, and Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa Plc, was named Banker of the Year.
State governors were recognised for their public service and strides in governance. Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State received the Man of the Year on Good Governance award. Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris of Kebbi State was named Best Governor in Education and Outstanding Defender of Democracy, while Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State received the Distinguished Service and Courage in Leadership award. Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, was lauded as the Most Outstanding Deputy of the Year.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Iheakanwa emphasized that the awards were more than just a celebration. “The essence of the awards goes beyond their glamour.
As an organization whose responsibilities include promoting good governance, the rule of law, and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in line with internationally acclaimed best practices, we believe that recognizing those who have made tremendous sacrifices toward these objectives will encourage others to follow the same path.”
Chairman of the event and Executive Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, reflected on the legacy of the late founder of Champion Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. He highlighted the role of digitization in Nigeria’s media space and predicted a full transition to paperless publishing in the coming years.
“Digitization has become so impactful that, in the next five years, there’ll be no hard copies,” he said.
Ekeh praised the event, describing it as “one of the best organized awards. I want to appreciate the organizers and awardees for creating class. This is a wow to our world ceremonies.”