Chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah, has called for a shift in how excellence is celebrated in Nigeria, urging that national awards should serve not only as recognition of achievement but also as a catalyst for broader inspiration.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2025 Annual LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards in Abuja, Mrs Nda-Isaiah said the ceremony was not just about applause but about awakening the nation’s collective responsibility to strive for greater impact.
“I don’t think awards and accolades should be about recognition alone,” she said. “More than that, they should also be about inspiration, especially in a harsh global economy where dog-eat-dog is the norm.”
The annual event, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of LEADERSHIP Newspapers, brought together top government officials, business leaders, innovators and thought leaders under the theme “The Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism.”
The event has Vice President Kashim Shettima as the keynote speaker.
In her welcome speech, Mrs Nda-Isaiah paid tribute to the media organisation’s late founder and her husband, Sam Nda-Isaiah, who established the media group in 2004 with a vision rooted in service and patriotism.
“Twenty years ago, our founding chairman ventured into newspaper publishing with a big idea — For God and Country. That vision continues to guide us, and by the grace of God, it will be passed on to the next generation,” she said.
She described the ceremony as a moment to not only honour the achievements of this year’s award recipients but to challenge every Nigerian to reflect on their own contributions to nation-building.
“These outstanding leaders, each one a trailblazer in their own right, remind us of the power of big ideas, resilience, and compassion. They inspire us to make a difference — a difference that means food on the table for many, and contributions that improve lives in real communities.”
The event, she said, serves as a reminder of the enduring need to recognise individuals and institutions who continue to push boundaries and uphold values that strengthen the nation’s democratic and economic foundations.
Mrs Nda-Isaiah concluded by thanking sponsors and supporters of the event, encouraging attendees to take the day’s reflections beyond the hall.
“As much as we celebrate those being awarded today, each of us has the potential to be a catalyst for change,” Mrs Nda-Isaiah stated. “Let us continue to inspire — and inspire one another.”
