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Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh (right) presenting letter of nomination as The Sun First Lady of the Year 2023 to wife of Kwara State Governor, Amb Olufolake Abdulrazaq in Abuja
The wife of Kwara State Governor, Amb. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, has said that her recognition by The Sun is an honour she cherishes.
Mrs. Abdulrazaq will receive The Sun First Lady of the Year award for 2023 along 33 others, who will receive other categories of awards on February 17, 2024 in Lagos.
Speaking in Abuja when the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, presented a letter nominating her as the First Lady of the Year, Mrs. Abdulrazaq said that she appreciates the painstaking process that produces The Sun Awards winners.
The First Lady said: “I’m honored by this award. I’m happy too. I’ve seen The Sun Awards ceremony many times on television. It is usually big and glamorous. The Sun Awards are well-sought after and respected. People look forward to it. I want to thank The Sun for finding me worthy and for nominating me.
“This award will be the beginning of a long and rewarding partnership. I look forward to participating in the awards ceremony.
“I am grateful to Kwara people and how they’ve treated me well. They’ve extended the love they’ve for my husband to me. They’re proud of their First Lady and we’ll not disappoint them at all.”
In his earlier remarks, The Sun MD said Mrs. Abdulrazaq’s selection was based on merit owing to her outstanding performance as First Lady of Kwara State, using the Ajike People Support Centre.
He said as the First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Governors Wives’ Forum, Mrs. Abdulrazaq has dedicated her life to the pursuit of common good.
“From your track record, every dream geared towards adding value to humanity is achievable,” he noted.
Detailing her role as a diplomat and First Lady, Mr. Ukeh said: “As a diplomat with over three decades of service to the nation, you have served in various capacities, leaving indelible marks on Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape by leading advocacies and influencing policies as well as programmes that directly affect women, youth, and children.
“Back home in Kwara State, you established the Ajike People Support Centre to care for the needs of vulnerable women, youths, and children. Through this initiative, you have raised consciousness and mobilised purposeful action to address such pressing challenges.
“The Ajike People Support Centre serves as a beacon of hope, providing vital resources, support, and opportunities for vulnerable individuals and communities. Under your visionary leadership, the centre has become a catalyst for positive change, tackling issues such as healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and gender equality.
“Your relentless pursuit of a better future for all has earned you widespread admiration and respect. Your incredible dedication to humanity extends beyond the borders of Kwara State.
“As the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Wives’ Forum, you spearhead collaborative efforts with other First Ladies nationwide, amplifying their collective voices and driving impactful initiatives that create lasting change.”
Other people receiving The Sun Awards along Mrs Abdulrazaq are: Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Groiup, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings and Chief InnocentChukwuma, Chairman, InnosonMotor Vehicle Manufacturing Limited (Man of the Year); Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State (Governor of the Year); Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Rev. Uma Ukpai and Prof Awa Kalu, SAN (Lifetime Achievement Award); HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife and HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri (Most Impactful Royal Father).
Others are Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate, Labour Party (LP) (Political Icon); Dr. Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, Chairman/CEO, Richland Property and Homes Limited, Lagos; Chief Kenneth Ifekudu (Agbalanze), Chairman, Diamond Leeds Ltd and Chief Peter Oge Obih, Chairman, Sea Map Group of Companies (Businessman of the Year); High Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, Chairman, Pinnatech Engineering Nigeria Limited; Dr. Oludare Akande
Chairman, Bellagio Airlines Limited and Dr. Jayne Onwumere, MD, Property World Africa Network (PWAN) Group (Investor of the Year); Dr. Uche Ogah, President, Masters Energy Group, Chief Celestine Ebubeogu, Chairman, Tiger Foods and Chief James Uzuh, Chairman, J_Jumac Industries Ltd (Industrialist of the Year); Chief Ikenna Okafor, Chairman, Kevs Global Leasing Ltd; Lady Adaora Umeoji, DMD, Zenith Bank Plc and Archbishop Dr. Emeka Agwu
President, Voice of Evangelism International
Houston, Texas, USA (Humanitarian Service Icon); Amb. Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady, Kwara State and Founder, Ajike People Support Centre (First Lady of the Year); Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman, Tantita Security (Courage in Leadership Award).
Other award winners are, Mr. Robert Azibaola, Founder; Zeetin Engineering Limited; Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, CEO, Nigerian Upstream Petroluem Regulatory Commission and Mr. Charles Odii, DG, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) (Public Service Award); Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO, Wema Bank and Mr. Femi Bakre, Managing Director, Parallex Bank (Banker of the Year); Bukola Olopade, MD/CEO, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd. (Sport Personality of the Year); Lady Ngozi Ezeonu and Tobi Bakre (Nollywood Icon of the Year).
