Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is the winner of the 2024 Quinquennial Award For Governance and Infrastructure, a rare recognition by the LEADERSHIP Group Limited.
The Quinquennial Award for Governance and Infrastructure is the inaugural award category of the prestigious LEADERSHIP Conferences and Awards. It recognises the quintessential blend of accountability and timely execution of people-oriented projects.
Wike, despite inheriting a capital city in decline, plagued by stagnation and unfulfilled potential, upon his appointment last year as FCT minister, has since inspired an urban renewal drive. Not fazed by the challenges, Wike embarked on a comprehensive assessment of ongoing projects in the FCT. He quickly identified funding shortages as a critical barrier to progress and initiated emergency meetings with contractors and stakeholders to address these issues.
His firm stance on ensuring that contracts are awarded only after securing financing has ushered in a new era of accountability and transparency in project execution. His legacy in the FCT, like the 8 years he spent as Rivers State governor, is marked by significant infrastructure development.
Wike and 25 other distinguished individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions to governance, business, social impact, and public service in Nigeria were nominated by the LEADERSHIP Newspapers’ Board of Editors after extensive deliberations at a meeting held in November 2024 at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.
Wike and other nominees will be celebrated for their outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to national development at the LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards ceremony scheduled to be held next year.
The management of LEADERSHIP chose the former Rivers State governor because of his doggedness in ensuring massive development through the provision of infrastructure for rural and urban dwellers wherever he governs, earning him the nickname Mr Project’.
Alhaji Aliko Mohammad Dangote, Nigeria’s foremost industrialist and philanthropist, won the Person Of The Year Award for his immense contributions to the nation’s economy. His philanthropic efforts make him a deserving recipient of this highest honour.
Also, for the year 2024, six state governors were jointly nominated for the award of Governor of the Year. They are Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State; Pastor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom; Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State; Mallam Umar A. Namadi of Jigawa State and Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke of Osun state.
The governors were recognised for driving sustainable growth, infrastructural development, and policy innovations in their respective states.
Adams Oshiomhole (CON), former Governor of Edo State, won the Politician of the Year award for his political influence in Edo State where he frontally led the campaign that led to the emergence of Governor Monday Okpehbolo as the governor, and advocacy for democratic growth in Nigeria.
The Business Person of the Year award was won by Benedict Peters, Founder and CEO of AITEO for massively investing in mining and hydrocarbons sector in Africa while Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, clinched the Banker of the Year award for her role in transforming the banking industry.
Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), Comptroller-General of Customs, emerged as the Public Service Person of the Year for his exceptional leadership in improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s Customs Service (NCS).
Other remarkable business leaders, including the CEO of NORD Automobiles Ltd, Oluwatobi Ajayi won the CEO of the Year award for thePrivate Sector) while Bamanga Usman Jada, MD/CEO of the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority clinched CEO of the Year award for the Public Sector,
In other award categories, AVSATEL Communications Limited won the Company of the Year award, while ARCO Engineering Limited is the Oil & Gas Local Content Champion of the Year.
The Social Impact Person of the Year award will be presented to Olori Ivie Atuwatse III for her tireless efforts in championing education and healthcare initiatives. OPAY won the Fintech Company of the Year award for promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, while Alternative Bank clinched the Most Innovative Bank of the Year award for its pioneering work in digital banking.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal will be honoured as Environmental Impact Person of the Year for his leadership in advancing environmental policies and addressing climate change.
The Outstanding Young Person of the Year 2024 award will go to ENACTUS team from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. They are recognised for championing innovation and sustainability. Terra Cube will receive the Product of the Year award for its innovative solutions in sustainable living.
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