Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Tuesday, received two categories of awards- Best Governor on Security and Most People-Oriented Governor, at maiden edition of Nigeria’s Pride Awards which took place at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.

The Awards ceremony was organized by African Leadership Scorecard Magazine, Nationwide Reports and the Beauties of Nigeria TV.

Former Senate President, Anyim Puis Anyim was also honured with “Icon of Democracy and Transparent Leadership in recognition of his leadership style when he served in that capacity as well as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. He was represented by Senator Obinna Ogba who also chaired the awards ceremony. Dr. Sarah Jibrin, former presidential adviser on ethics and values served as Mother of the Day while John Bala Asate, Director, Documentation, Translation and Publicity, represented the Director General, National Orientation of Agency, as Guest Speaker.

Other awardees at the event include Hon. Mouktar Aliyu Betara “Best People-Oriented Lawmaker of the Year, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, immediate past Executive Secretary of PTAD who was named “Pensioners’ Angel,” Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Founder of Helpline Foundation who emerged as “Mother of the Poor,”  Human Rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, recognized as the “Most Fearless Lawyer of the Year’ and Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ali Isa JC- “Best Grassroots Lawmaker of the Year,”

Amb. John Metchie, African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates who is also the Deputy Commander-General NHFSS in charge of Intelligence was recognized as “Prince of Peace and Reconciliation.” Hon. Mas’ud Musa Bashir, a Sokoto Prince and President of Aleena Petroleum was honoured as “Young Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year” while Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission was honoured as “Champion of Human Rights.”

Two federal government agencies, PTAD and NHRC were also honured for their quality service delivery, especially deployment of modern technology to make much needed difference.

Speaking after receiving the two awards, Governor Babagana Zulum who was represented by his special adviser on media, Alhaji Dauda Iliya and four other personalities, expressed gratitude to the organisers saying “I am exceedingly delighted to stand before you today at the 2024 Nigeria’s Pride Awards, an event thoughtfully organised by some of our nation’s most esteemed media professionals and organisations in journalism and communication.”

Zulum also said, “I extend my gratitude to the organisers for giving me two prestigious awards: Best Governor on Security and Most People-Oriented Governor,” and reaffirmed that Borno has attained a substantial level of peace and is “no longer the epi-centre of crisis.”

Zulum said, “Borno State, once the epicentre of Boko Haram insurgency, has, by the grace of Almighty Allah, reclaimed its identity as the Home of Peace and Hospitality.”

“In the last five years, we have resettled over 1 million displaced persons in their communities from IDP camps. Thousands of houses have been built or rehabilitated in conflict-affected areas, creating resettlement hubs for these returnees, signaling the return of peace to Borno,” he added.

He also stated that “Many farmers, particularly in the southern and northern parts of the state, were able to return to their farmlands, despite the devastating floods in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.”

“The improvement in security has also allowed people to travel across much of the state without requiring security escorts. Trade and business activities with neighbouring states and countries like Chad, Cameroon, and Niger have also been revitalised.”

Governor Zulum also stated that as part of the post-conflict recovery efforts, his administration will prioritise technical and vocational education.

“This initiative aims to equip our youth with employable skills, address unemployment, and reduce youth restiveness,” the governor further said.

Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, while thanking the organizers for the award, also appreciated former President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing her as Executive Secretary of PTAD as well as President Bola Tinubu who renewed her appointment. She said the achievements that earned her the award as Pensioners’ Angel was made possible by management and staff of PTAD who keyed into her vision and passion of making life easy for those who have served the nation.

Also responding, Hon. Muoktar Aliyu Betara who was represented by Hon. Emeka Onohu, said the award was a challenge to do more for the people of his constituency and Nigerians in general, adding that to whom much is given, much more is expected.

Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, the Founder of Helpline Foundation who was honoured as Mother of the Poor, said nothing is too small to be given and that nobody is too poor to help others. She noted that the world is full of many people in need of help while some others need just smile from the next person to be happy. She thanked organisers of the award for coming up with such initiative which she said would spur others to do more.

Prof. Mike Ozekhome who was represented by his son, said fighting for the right of the less privileged and the oppressed has been a childhood passion and pledged to continue to deploy his resources and other things at his disposal to give meaning to the lives of others and towards a better society.

Amb. John Metchie, who was represented by Mr. Steve at the occasion, pledged to continue to cater for the less privileged members of the society as well as build bridges of peace reconciliation among communities in conflict as well as across the world.   

The facilitator of the Nigeria’s Pride Awards, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, said the initiative was born out of the need to find out and applaud those who are adding value to the society through quality service, adding that it was one of the ways to encourage them as well as inspire others to commit themselves to the upliftment of humanity. He said that the award is an annual event, going forward.

Highlight of the occasion was performance by the NYSC Cultural Troupe which with its theme centered on a united Nigeria.