Namadi, Zulum, Adeleke,Dangote, others bag NewsDirect awards
Governors Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Babagana Zulum of Borno, and Ademola Adeleke of Osun, alongside renowned businessman Aliko Dangote, were among the 30 notable figures honored at the 14th Anniversary Awards of Nigerian NewsDirect. The event, held on Friday at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, celebrated excellence in leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Gov. Namadi received the Governor of the Year Award in Agro-Investments and Security, while Gov. Zulum was named Governor of the Year (Nationwide) for 2024. Gov. Adeleke was honored with the Governor of the Year Award in Wealth Creation and Capacity Building, and Gov. Dapo Abiodun received the prestigious Man of the Year Award.
Other notable awardees included:
Gboyega Oyetola (Minister of Marine and Blue Economy) – Exemplary Leadership in Public Leadership.
Adebayo Adelabu (Minister of Power) – Exemplary Leadership in Public Leadership.
Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa (NDLEA CEO) – Exemplary Leadership in Public Service.
Aliko Dangote – Business Leader of the Year.
Otunba Bimbo Ashiru (Oodua Investment Group Chairman) – Corporate Icon of the Year.
Fidson Healthcare Plc – Best Healthcare Provider of the Year.
Academic and Financial Honors
Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo of the University of Uyo was awarded Vice Chancellor of the Year, while Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), received the Banker of the Year Award.
Celebrating Legacy and Excellence
The event chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, praised the legacy of the late founder of Nigerian NewsDirect, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi, while commending the efforts of the current Executive Director and Publisher, Matthew Ibiyemi. Ashiru urged the awardees to continue striving for societal improvement.
Matthew Ibiyemi emphasized the rigorous selection process for the awards, which recognized individuals and organizations making a significant impact across critical sectors. “These awards should serve as motivation for the recipients to reassess their efforts and identify areas for improvement,” he said.
Gratitude from Awardees
Gov. Namadi, represented by Secretary to the State Government Malam Bala Ibrahim, expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that the honor would inspire further contributions to agriculture, security, education, and healthcare.
Similarly, Prof. Usman Tar, Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, accepted the award on behalf of Gov. Zulum, commending his relentless dedication to improving the lives of Borno residents through unity and security initiatives.
The event highlighted the importance of recognizing outstanding contributions to national progress, encouraging leaders to continue driving positive change.
