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Dangote to receive ‘Africa’s Brightest Shining Star of the Century’ award as CDS, Soludo, Wike, Zulum, Bosun, Dauda Lawal, Adeleke, Bassey Otu, Wamakko, Allen Onyema, Uju Ihejrika, Davido, Obiagbena, PTAD, NCC, TETFund, UBEC, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, Jaiz bank, NSITF, NHRC, others bag Nigeria’s Pride Awards
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and his conglomerate, Dangote Group, have been nominated for Nigeria’s Pride Awards being organized by African Leadership Scorecard Magazine, in collaboration with THE BEAUTIES OF NIGERIA TV, scheduled for November this year in Abuja.
While Dangote, a business mogul who is also the richest black man on earth is to be honoured as ‘Africa’s Brightest Shining Star of the Century,’ the Dangote Group is to receive the ‘Chief Cornerstone of Businesses in Africa” award.
Also to be honoured are six state governors, Prof. Babagana Zulum of Borno; Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Dr. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Arch Senator Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Senator Bassey Edet Out of Cross River.
Two serving Ministers Barrister Nyesom Wike of FCT and Dr. Tijani Bosun, Communications and Innovations are to be honoured alongside Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; senators Aliyu Wamakko and Ned Nwoko; Deputy House of Reps Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CEO of Air Peace, Barrister Allen Onyema, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; MD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Barrister Dame Adaora Umeoji; Jaiz Bank, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, CEO of PTAD, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara; Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, CEO of NHRC; Human Rights Lawyer, Dr. Mike Ozekhome, Hon. Ali Isa; CEO of Brittainia-U Group, Barrister Mrs. Uju Ihejrika, Former HoCSF Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, award-winning singer Davido and Nollywood actress, Ruth Kadiri.
Also nominated for the awards are Kano Airport cleaner, Auwal Dankode and hotel worker, Ngozi Kekwaru, other personalities, some federal agencies and corporate organisations.
In a statement Thursday, signed on behalf of the Organising Committee, Facilitator of the awards, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, who is also the Publisher/CEO of African Leadership Scorecard Magazine/Founder of the Beauties of Nigeria TV, said although Nigeria is a country in need of quality leadership, the few among us, who are doing well need to be celebrated as a way of encouraging them to do more while motivating others to wake up.
He said that the successful takeoff of the Dangote Refinery, recoginsed as the largest single-train refinery in the world with the capacity of 650,000 barrels per day which also produces diesel, aviation fuel and other products, is a landmark achievement unprecedented in history; and therefore, should be celebrated by every Nigerian, and in deed, all Africans, irrespective of their country of origin, ethnic, political and religious leanings.
Bonaventure Melah said that the NAHCO and Hotel workers were nominated to be honoured for finding $10,000 and $70,000, respectively, at their work places and returned the money to the owners. Describing them as the real face of the Nigeria. The statement praised multiple award-winning singer David Adeleke, also known as Davido, for uplifting hundreds of upcoming musicians and other artists, the same with Ruth Kadiri.
Apart from Bonaventure Melah, other members of the Nigeria’s Pride Awards Organising Committee are Mr. Ahaziah Suleiman (Former Executive Director, Voice of Nigeria), Chairman; Hajia Medina Dauda-Nadabo, (Bureau Coordinator/Prpgrammes Officer, Voice of America, VOA), Secretary; Victorson Agbenson (Deputy Director News, FRCN), Omotola Oleyede, Chudi Brass a Media Expert and Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed (Ex-Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Kaduna/Katsina/Kano Zone).
See Full List of Nominees and Categories
1. Alhaji Aliko Dangote/Dangote Group- Africa’s Brightest Shining Star of the Century.’
2. Dangote Group- ‘Chief Cornerstone of Businesses in Africa.”
3. Prof. Chukwuma Soludo- Best Governor on Empowerment
4. Dr. Dauda Lawal- Best Governor on Urban Renewal
5. Prof. Babagana Zulum- Most People-Oriented Governor
6. Senator Bala Mohammed- Best Governor on Urban Transformation
7. Sen. Bassey Edet Otu- Best Governor on Agric/Food Security
8. Sen. Ademola Adeleke- Best Governor Infrastructure
9. FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike- Overall Best Nigerian Minister.
10. Communications Minister, Bosun Tijani- Outstanding Minister of the Year
11. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa- Shield of the Nation
12. Sen. Ned Munir Nwoko- Protector of the Environment.
13. Senator Aliyu Wamakko- Champion of Poverty Eradication.
14. Ooni of Ife- Exemplary Custodian of African Values
15. Retired Justice Mariam Aloma Muktar- Mother of Justice in Nigeria
16. Justice Mary Odili- Pillar of Truth and Justice
17. Mrs. Uju Ihejrika- Most Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year
18. Chief Mike Ozekhome- Most Fearless Advocate
19. Amb. John Metchie- Prince of Peace and Reconciliation
20. Mrs. Adaora Umeoji-Light of the Girl-Child
21. Hon. Benjamin Kalu- Champion of Equity
22. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara
23. Hon. Ali Isa- B.C Grassroots Empowerment Lawmaker
24. Dr. Chioma Ejikeme- Pensioners’ Angel
25. Chief Nduka Obiagbena- Nigeria’s Media Pathfinder
26. Dr. Tony Ojukwu- Champion of Human Rights
27. Dr. Yemi Esan- Excellent Service to the Nation
28. Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC- Most Innovative Agency
29. Jaiz Bank- Most People-Oriented Bank
30. Social Insurance Trust Funds, NSITF- Employee Protector-In-Chief
31. Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund- Most Impressive Institutional Funding Agency of the Year
32. Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC- Most Compliant Agency on International Best Practices
33. Rural Electrification Agency, REA- Most Improved Service Delivery Agency
34. PTAD- Best Reforms/ICT Compliance Agency
35. NHRC- Most Committed Agency of the Year.
36. David Adeleke (Davido)- Outstanding Humanity Entertainment Artist of the Year.
37. Ruth Kadiri- Inspirational Actress of the Year
38. Auwal Dankode- Hope of the Future Award- Male
39. Ngozi Kekwara- Hope of the Future Award (Female).
The Nigerian Police has said Sunday Igboho was not involved in recent rescue operations of the abduction victims in Igboho community.
It would be recalled that a video went viral on Saturday where community members trooped out in their hundreds to celebrate and glorify Igboho, attributing a recent release of abducted villager to his stern warning to kidnapper to free abductees or face his wrath.
But the police has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released. Furthermore, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police has denied that Sunday Igboho was involved in recent rescue operations.
Yhe Oyo State Police Command dismissed these claims as unsubstantiated, urging the public to rely only on official channels rather than social media rumors. The police also clarified they have no evidence of Igboho’s participation in successful rescue efforts.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, has extolled the virtues of unconditional love and immeasurable sacrifice as the defining hallmarks of fatherhood and the bedrock upon which families and society are built.
In a goodwill message to commemorate the 2026 Father’s Day celebration, Governor Fubara paid glowing tributes to fathers for serving as the pillars that hold families together and, by extension, strengthen communities across Rivers State and Nigeria.
According to a statement by Onwuka Nzechi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Media, Fubara noted that across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, fathers labour daily to provide for their families despite the economic and social challenges confronting the nation. According to him, Father’s Day is a special occasion set aside to honour the quiet love and selfless sacrifices that fathers make across generations and throughout the world.
“A father’s love is quiet strength. It is the man who leaves home before dawn and returns after dusk so his children can eat and go to school. It is the man who denies himself so his family can have. It is the firm hand that corrects and the open arms that forgive. That love is the invisible thread that holds our homes together, and that sacrifice is the foundation of our society.
“I have seen fathers labour under the sun, paddle through floods and endure hardship, all so that the next generation will have a better chance than they did. That is heroism without medals,” he said.
Governor Fubara emphasised that when fathers stand, families stand; when families stand, communities stand; and when communities stand, Rivers State stands. He stressed that responsible fatherhood produces stable homes, while responsible sons and daughters help to build peaceful neighbourhoods, harmonious communities and a prosperous state.
The Governor pledged that his administration would continue to draw inspiration from the resilience and sacrifices of fathers in building a Rivers State worthy of their commitment and labour.
He prayed that God would grant every father, grandfather, uncle, guardian and mentor good health, strength and long life to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Father’s Day, celebrated in Nigeria and many countries around the world on the third Sunday of June, highlights the invaluable contributions of fathers to the family and society at large.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to establish a special court to fast-track the prosecution of suspected kidnappers and cultists in the state.
He said anyone convicted by the special courts would face public execution, adding that he would not hesitate to sign their execution order
He spoke in Benin during the parade of suspected kidnappers and cultists arrested by the Edo State Police Command.
He warned residents against engaging in kidnapping and cult-related activities, saying such crimes would only lead to the loss of lives and property.
The governor said the proposed special court would become operational within the next few weeks to ensure speedy trial of suspects.
“We are setting up a special court to try kidnappers and cultists. In the next two or three weeks, it should be ready,” he said.
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