…As Sen. Akpabio Ozhekome, Soludo others win big
By Njoku Macdonald Obinna
The prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’ adu Conference Centre, Abuja,.on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, witnessed unusual dignatries and exceptional Nigerians who attended the epoch-making event heralding the unveiling of the median edition of Nigeria Today Magazine as it honours outstanding and deserving Nigerians that have distinguished themselves and made their marks in corporate governance, business, selfless community services, philanthropy, agriculture, and political leadership.
The event had the Vice- President, His Excellency Sen. Kashim Shettima as the Chief Guest of Honour, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, Special Guest of Honour, while a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and also a former Nigerian Senate President, His Excellency Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim chaired the colourful event.
Delivering the annual lecture titled: The Imperatives of Strategic Economic Reforms in Nigeria’s Quest for Sustainable Development, the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, maintained that amidst the uncertainties and apprehensions, there lies an opportunity for strategic reforms that could pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable future. By aligning these reforms with sustainable development goals and ensuring transparency and accountability, the government can chart a path towards economic prosperity that uplifts the lives of its citizens and transforms the nation as a whole.
With a rousing ovation and special rendition of a game changer by the DJ; the representatives of Dr. Chima Mathew Amadi (Mazi Gburugburu) led by a former federal legislator, Rt. Hon. Ozurigbo Ugonna (OZB) alongside Hon. Uche Ogbuagu, Hon. Kingsley Echendu, and Barr. Samuel Amadi mounted the big stage to receive the Imo Man of the Year Award by Nigeria Today Magazine in recognition of his impactful community services and transformative leadership as a beacon of hope and uncommon philanthropist.
Speaking after receiving the award on behalf of Dr. Chima Mathew Amadi, Rt. Hon. Ozurigbo Ugonna who represented Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly described Amadi as a man with a bouynant heart for charity and love for humanity; who has demonstrated over the years an unwavering commitment to touching lives very positively while changing the leadership narrative through robust engagement.
In his own words; Ozurigbo stated , inter alia: “ Being here for our leader (Mazi Gburugburu), is a huge testament to what he stands for; a true Nigerian patriot, uncommon philantrophist, an avid scholar of international note, and a humanitarian from whose heart flows the milk of human kindness.“
Shedding more light on the awards, the Publisher|Editor -in – Chief of Nigeria Today, Barr. Eze Chikamanyo, says“ in line with our policy and philosophy, the awardees are being honored for their commitment to public service, political leadership, business acumen, research, innovations and philanthropy.
According to him: The idea is to deepen the ethos of public and community service, as well as promote role models as the country seeks to nurture a new generation of leaders across public and private sectors to inspire confidence for an enduring future for the country , Barr. Eze Chikamanayo told Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters, Njoku Macdonald Obinna .
The Outstanding Performance Awards (TOP AWARDS) 2024, celebrates excellence, courage, expertise, integrity, phenomenal achievements, remarkable contributions to national development, good governance, African renaissance and other arts of positive impacts to humanity.
Among those honored alongside Dr. Chima Amadi in the different categories of the awards included but not limited to, Nigerian Senate President, H. E. Sen. Godswill Akpabio, who was honored as the Man of the Year, Prof. Charles Soludo as Governor of the Year on Infrastructural Revolution, Dr. Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State for Urban Renewal and Social Development, Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Kastina State for Technology & Innovation, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State for Agro- Industrialization, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, as the Activist of the Year, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for Good Governance and Nation Building, while Her Excellency, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma emerges First Lady of the Year.
Meanwhile , Dr. Pius Anyim, Prof. Mike Ozekhome , SAN, and eminient Nigerians have lauded the bold step taken by the organizers of the Annual TOP AWARDS for their unique way of identifying and honoring individuals and organizations who have recorded outstanding performance in the various areas of human endeavor.