Lief Achievement Award
With an educational background, wh an educational background, which began at the Native Authority Primary School and Government Secondary School, Otobi, Benue State, before he proceeded to the University of Ibadan for a Bachelors degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was prepared for the illustrious career he has had in the public service.
His career began in the Benue State Civil Service, where he rose through the ranks, holding positions like Land Officer and Assistant Secretary in the Governor’s Office.
He later honed his administrative skills as Principal Secretary, Director of Personnel Management, and Sole Administrator for local government councils. Thereafter, he crossed over to the Federal Ministry of Education, where he was later appointed Director-General and Permanent Secretary before retiring in 1998.
Senator Akume’s entry into politics marked another turning point in his career. He contested and won the governorship election, served two terms as Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007 and subsequently got elected into the Senate, where he became the Senate Minority Leader and later Senate Committee Chairman on the Nigerian Army.
Sen. Akume’s political career continued to gain traction in 2019, when he was appointed Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs under the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. His rich profile in courage, loyalty and dedication put him in limelight in June 2023, with President Bola Tinubu, again, finding him worthy to occupy the exalted seat of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
As a politician who has served as Governor, Senator, Minister and now SGF, his experience manifests in the critical roles he plays in fostering federal-state relations, promoting transparency, and advising the President.
His dedication to public service has received wide acclaim through honours and recognitions in different forms, including the Distinguished Alumnus honours and the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). At the international level, he is well recognised with honours such as the Key to the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
For distinguishing himself with a lifetime that is dedicated to public service, the Board of Editors of The Sun Publishing Limited chose him as winner of The Sun Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.