Photo caption: Convener, Nigeria’s Pride Awards/CEO, First Green White Resources, Bonaventure Phillips Melah giving opening remarks at the event

The Convener of Nigeria’s Pride Awards, Mr. Bonaventure Phillips Melah, has called on Nigerians to take pride in the nation’s vast resources, exceptional talents, and global achievements by citizens in the country and in the Diaspora, urging a collective effort to project the country’s positive image to the world.

Melah who is also the CEO of First Green White Resources, delivering his remarks at the award presentation ceremony on Tuesday, September 30th in Abuja, described Nigeria as “an investor’s goldmine and a tourist’s haven”, blessed with immense natural and human resources that remain under-celebrated.

“Nigeria, the most populous black nation on earth, is richly endowed with crude oil, gas, gold, zinc, limestone, marble, uranium, and countless other resources,” he said, adding that “With its fertile land, clement weather, and cheerful, welcoming people, our country is truly one of the world’s most promising destinations for investment and tourism.”

He noted that Nigeria’s economy offers strong opportunities in key sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, construction, education, and manufacturing — areas that continue to attract both local and foreign investors.

Melah further highlighted the country’s enviable record of producing globally acclaimed figures, including the richest black person in the world, Grammy Award-winning musicians, and world-class professionals making groundbreaking contributions in medicine, science, technology, law, diplomacy, and the arts.

“Though Nigeria is in need of quality leadership, it continues to produce men and women of excellence who are distinguishing themselves across the globe,” he added.

The convener praised the country’s thriving creative industry, describing Nollywood as one of the most powerful cultural exports out of Africa — home to talented actors, directors, and producers whose works have captivated audiences worldwide.

Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, Melah said the Nigeria’s Pride Awards was established to spotlight the nation’s achievers, reward quality service, and reshape the narrative about Nigeria.

“The Nigeria’s Pride Awards was founded to celebrate excellence and showcase the numerous positives that define us as a people,” he stated. “It is time the world hears more about the greatness of Nigeria — not just its challenges.”

He said Nigeria’s Pride Awards has become an annual event to be celebrated as a side event to the nation’s independence anniversary and expressed optimism that the platform would become a rallying point for recognizing and encouraging exceptional Nigerians across all walks of life, inspiring others to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

“The Nigeria’s Pride Awards was founded to identify, recognize, appreciate and celebrate citizens, other nationals and corporate citizens that distinguish themselves through selfless service, patriotism, exemplary and inspiring leadership and therefore contribute positively to the development, prosperity, peace, unity and security of Nigeria as well as overall wellbeing of humanity,” he said.

Speaking earlier, chairman of the occasion, General Paul Boroh (rtd), said Nigeria’s Pride Awards was a well-thought initiative to honour those who have served the nation well and contributed to nation-building.

He commended the Chief off Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa for his efforts in rooting terrorism and other criminalities I the country and suggested that the awards be an annual event.

Minister of Information and National Orientation who was represented by the Director, Publications, Production and Documentation, Mr. Ibidapo Okunnu, praised CDS Musa for his patriotism and multi-dimensional approach in securing Nigeria. He commended the organisers of the awards for their commitment to the unity of Nigeria and for honouring citizens who have contributed t the development of the nation.

Among those individuals and organisations that were honoured at the event were the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru who received awards in two categories as Best Governor on Road Infrastructure and Best Governor on Community Empowerment; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, OFR- ‘Shield of the Nation,’ Dangote Group- ‘Chief Cornerstone of Business in Africa,’ the organisation’s Group Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina- Most Impactful Corporate Marketing Officer of the Decade,’ Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN- ‘Most Impactful Minister of the Year,’ DG ACCI Sir Jideani Agabaidu- ‘Most Gender-Inclusive CEO of the Year,’ DG of Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Hon. Rinsola Abiola-‘Inspirational Young Corporate CEO of the Year.’ veteran Nollywood personalities Tonto Dikeh, Empress Njamah, Rekiya Ibrahim Attah, Emeka Rollas, Gloria Okafor and Sandra Okunzuwa, among others.