By Peter Egwuatu

In order to move the economy forward, former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has moved for strengthening of institutions and not personalities.
Obasanjo gave the advice at the 2nd edition of Lagos Alumni Association of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, AANI, bi-annual Honours & Awards Night held in Lagos.
The former President,who was honoured with special recognition at the award night , tasked members of the AANI to remain committed to integrity and discipline.
He said: “ You should remain committed to integrity and discipline.
Two, good policy is rooted in honesty, courage, and the willingness to put the national interest above short-term or partisan gain. Three, think strategically and long-term. Major problems require patience and the ability to design policies that endure the long-term effects of climate change.
Three, serve as mentors and partners for the next generation Build their capacity, teach them ethical leadership, and encourage their participation in public office. Four, strengthen institutions, not necessarily personalities”.
Continuing, he said: “ True progress is achieved when institutions are resilient, transparent, and accountable. Five, be a voice for unity, inclusive development, and peaceful democratic practice. Where there is division, use your training to mediate and to build bridges.
May the institute continue to produce the wise, courageous, committed leaders our country so badly needs”.
Meanwhile, in her welcome remarks at the award night, Omolara Balogun, Chairman, Lagos AANI, stated that the year’s award comes at a time of profound global and local changes, bringing to the fore the need to put a searchlight on policy, public service, and personal responsibilities to actualise the changes they seek as sovereign.
She said: “ The ideals of the National Institute are therefore well captured through this event. One that emphasises commitment for shared responsibility for the proper signaling to the citizenry on what is important. Building a better society is the ultimate goal of governance and our founding fathers reasoned that one of the ways to achieve that goal was to create a National Institute that would bring together every year, proven leaders in the society from the armed forces, intelligence, public service,private sector, academia, professional bodies and civil society to work together on moving us from a country, towards an equitable nation where the divisions that exist are worked on, and better approaches for becoming a nation are forged”.

She added : “Beyond this award event, we have a series of engagements being executed to put the competence , capacity and capability of mnis at the disposal of stakeholders, especially the state and local governments, in working on issues of common interest”.
The awardees for the 2nd edition of Lagos AANI bi-annual Honours & Awards Night held in Lagos are as follows: Special Recognition Award: Chief Olusegun Mathew Aremu Obasanjo.
Distinguished Service Award Major-General Obasina Ogunbiyi, (rtd), mni ; Major General Adetokubno Fayemiwo (rtd) mni;
Major General (Dr) Abimbola Amusa (rtd), mni;
Dr. Aderemi Adesalu, mni.
Legacy Award: HRH Oba Rilwan Akiolu, CFR, mni; Senator Felix Kolawole Bajomo, mni;
Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), mni; Prince Julius Adelusi – Adeluyi, mni; Mrs. Amoke Mojisola Rufai, mni ; Mr. Akinbayo Adekunle Adenubi, mni and Otunba Olusola Adekanola , mni.
Policy Execution Award: Mr. Fola Adeola , OFR, mni; Mr. Victor Banjo, mni, Engr Segun Ajayi – Kadir, mni.
Society Impact Award : Sir Kessington Adebutu; DCG Olaniyi Adisa Alajogun, rtd.
Service Recognition Award:
Dr. Babatunde Akinde,mni ;
Mr. Samuel Akintunde Olumuyiwa Odejayi, FCA, mni ; AIG Tunji Alapini (rtd); Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju, mni ;Rear Admiral Leye Jaiyeola( rtd); Engr. Olujimi Nunayon, FNSE, mni; Barrister Oluwarotimi Oladipupo Edu, FCIB, mni, among others.
Institution Award: The Nigerian Army and Proshare LLC.