Dogara, Others Bag Northern Achievers Award

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, wife of the Katsina State governor, Hajia Binta Aminu Bello Masari and the Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Professor Olukoya Ogen have bagged the Northern Achievers’ Award of Excellence.

Others who also bagged the award include Zamfara State governor, Abdullazeez Yari, Cross River State governor, Professor Benedict Ayade, Speaker Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. John Gaul Lebo, Rector Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Olarewaju Aluko, Emir of Zamfara HRH Alhaji Attaihiru Ahmad, Justice Shehu Ibrahim Ahamad, Dr John Emaimo, Hon. Lawali Marafa, and Hon Justice Peter Nnanna Chukwudi Umeadi.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after his award, Professor Ogen expressed excitement over the award, saying the award will further spur him to put in his best in any assignment bearing in mind that somebody or organisation is watching him.

According to him “I feel excited and fulfilled that my modest efforts has been recognised. Since I came on board as the provost of Adeyemi College of Education,  I have been approached by various organisations wanting to confer an award on me but I turned them down, because there is something about several Nigerian awards, sometimes you are lobbied for it and at other times it is because you are still occupying the seat.

“What I normally tell them is to wait until my tenure is over and if still consider fit for the award , they can give me the award, then I will gladly take the award. The only exception was the award given to me by  the National Institute of Nigerian Languages, Aba which is on merit as a result of my contribution to indigenous languages.

“I have also received other awards outside this country which is a life time award which is based on merit. I particularly accept this award when I saw the name of a man of integrity, Justice Mamman Nasir. I minute the letter to the public relations officer for advice and she confirmed that the organisation is genuine and encouraged me to accept it.”

Earlier, the Publisher/ Editor in Chief, Prince Joshua Ola Adeleke said the award was basically to celebrate individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the Northern Region and by extension the country as a whole.