By Jacob Ajom

Zamfara — Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has expressed delight at receiving the GAH National Capital Award 2025, commending Princess Kelechi Oghene, Chairperson and Founder of the Global African Heroes (GAH) Awards and Business Summit, for her efforts in recognising outstanding leaders and innovators across Africa.

Receiving the award at the Zamfara Government House on Monday, Governor Lawal said such recognition would inspire African leaders and businesspeople to deepen their contributions toward Africa’s growth.

“I am happy to be conferred with this award, and I want to thank the brain behind GAHAWARDS, Princess Oghene, for her efforts in honouring people who, through their hard work, promote growth in Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” he said.

Officially represented by Zamfara State Chief of Staff, Mouktar Mohammed Lugga, Governor Lawal described the GAH Awards and Business Summit as a respected platform for celebrating excellence and shaping bold ideas. He said the summit’s theme, Africa Reimagined: Innovation, Inclusion, and Sustainable Growth, is a timely call for Africa to rethink its development path.

Reflecting on Zamfara’s experience, the governor emphasised that leadership must not surrender to challenges such as insecurity, under-investment and weak institutions.

In her response, Dr. Princess Oghene highlighted that the platform inspires African leaders and businesspeople to enhance their contributions to the continent through collaboration and innovation. Speaking at the 2025 GAH Awards and Business Summit, she emphasised Nigeria as her home and the ideal place for investment, praising the resilience and dedication of its people.

Award recipients included Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; Barrister Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation; Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; and Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, among others.

Dr. Oghene said the GAH platform has grown from an awards ceremony into a significant continental movement, connecting leaders across governance, business, media, and creative industries. She stressed that the initiative is driven by collaboration rather than competition.

“I am not a fan of competition. I am a fan of collaboration. Africans are talented, creative and innovative. When we come together and exchange value, we can achieve much more,” she said.

Highlighting the theme Africa Reimagined, Dr. Oghene said the movement seeks to change global narratives about Africa and reposition Africans as solution providers rather than victims. “This is about telling the world that Africa is no longer a sleeping giant. If each of us champions excellence in our own space, the negative stories about Africans will begin to change,” she said.

The 2025 GAH Awards and Business Summit underscored the importance of innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth in driving Africa’s development, while celebrating individuals making impactful contributions to the continent.