Youth Group Honours State House Press Corps Chairman with Leadership Prize

The Democratic Youth Assembly of Nigeria (DYAN) on Friday presented a leadership award to the chairman of the State House Press Corps, Dr Emmanuel Anule, praising him for his mentorship and role in shaping media practice around the seat of government.

Speaking at the presentation, Bashir Nasuru Garki, national coordinator and chairman of DYAN’s National Executive Council, described the one-hour meeting as “historic,” and said the Assembly’s decision reflected widespread admiration for Dr Anule’s career and recent initiatives.

Garki was joined by the Assembly’s Director of Climate Change and Sustainable Development and other members said, “Dr. Anule is a veteran journalist, a mentor to many, and a very gigantic force in the Nigerian journalism industry.”

While thanking the press corps chairman for receiving the group and for “accepting willingly to identify with our body,” Garki described DYAN as a nonpartisan, egalitarian youth organisation that has operated for more than a decade and is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning and the UN Economic and Social Council.

He also described the award as recognition of Dr Anule’s “unwavering commitment to the advancement of society, dedication to strengthening others, and his tremendous contribution to actualizing the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He credited the recipient with leadership stamina in steering the State House Press Corps through an active period for government-media engagement.

The coordinator outlined DYAN’s priorities – peacebuilding, youth empowerment, education, philanthropy and leadership development – and said the group aims to prepare young Nigerians to assume national leadership while rejecting corruption and impunity.

He also lauded Dr Anule’s stewardship of the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House earlier this Month, an event Mr Garki said drew “the President himself, the First Lady, senior officials and leading business figures,” and earned public commendation from the president.

“For a youth community to single you out is an encouragement that you should continue to demonstrate that excellence,” Garki said as he announced Dr Anule’s induction into DYAN’s Hall of Fame and presented the Leadership Prize.

Receiving the award, Dr Anule described himself as “deeply honoured” and said he had researched DYAN after receiving the invitation.

“I was amazed after reading your profile and what you have been doing for this country,” he said, thanking the organisation for the recognition and describing the accolade as both an encouragement and an inspiration to continue public service.

The presentation took place Friday, July 23, 2026, and was attended by senior members of DYAN and friends of the awardee.

DYAN said it will continue with awards and engagement programmes intended to spotlight public servants and civic actors who, the group said, “advance national development and strengthen democratic institutions.”