Akpabio, Otti, Katung, Others To Be Honoured In UK

Senate President Godwin Akpabio, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the 130th Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Marshall Katung, are among dignitaries to be honoured at the 2025 Nigeria Golden Hearts Awards International.

The event is scheduled for September 14, 2025, at the Hilton Leeds City Hotel in the United Kingdom (UK).

The awardees will be celebrated for their achievements in various spheres of life.

In a press statement issued by the organisers through the executive director (ED), Festus Odunze, he said the event is a celebration of excellence, achievement, and good governance.

Odunze said Akpabio has been instrumental in ensuring stability and smooth operations within the National Assembly, contributing significantly to the legislative interventions aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Governor Otti will be recognised for transforming Abia State through infrastructure development and strategic initiatives.

Katung makes the awardees’ list for being the 130th Mayor of Leeds and the first African to assume that position.

Ebonyi State First Lady Mary-Maudline Nwifuru will be recognised for her gender mainstreaming efforts and healthcare initiatives.

Other awardees are the Senate Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro; Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong; Hon. Kama Nkemkanma; Hon. Bello El-Rufai; Hon. George Alli; Rev. Godfrey Osemwegie; Dr Raymond Asemakaha; and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, a prominent industrialist.

The event’s theme, “Celebrating the Giant Strides of Unsung Heroes,” highlights the achievements of these distinguished individuals.

The ceremony will also mark the release of the 9th edition of the Nigeria Golden Hearts Magazine, featuring Akpabio as the cover personality.

The awards ceremony aims to promote a positive image of Nigeria and encourage good leadership, particularly in light of negative narratives. It will also provide a platform for honorees to interact with Nigerians and constituents residing in the UK.