By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), has honoured 680 staff of the institution for long years of service, dedication, and hard work which it said has positioned the organisation on the global stage.

The founder of LAPO, Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe stated this at the 2025 Annual LAPO Staff Meritorious/Long Service Award held in Benin City.

He said the work they do in LAPO is unique as the organization exists to lift people from the lower rungs of the socio-economic ladder of the society “to restore dignity, and to foster hope. This mission places people at the very heart of our existence.

“To serve the underserved effectively, we need more than just employees; we need torchbearers who possess uncommon commitment, unwavering diligence, and unassailable integrity”.

Dr. Ehigiamusoe noted that for over three decades, it is the above mentioned qualities that have defined the LAPO workforce, stressing that they were the reason the organization has grown from a vision into a leading development institution in Nigeria.

Those honoured included employees who have crossed significant milestones of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of continuous service.

He added that 63 exceptional staff members also received Best Staff Awards, which come with automatic promotions, a small token of the organisation’s gratitude for their outstanding performance.

“We gather here today not just for a ceremony, but for a celebration of people. At LAPO, we often say that our greatest asset walks in and out of these doors every evening and returns every morning.

“While we value every member of the LAPO family, today is set aside to shine a special light on those whose dedication has not just lasted, but flourished over the years”.

Mrs. Lilian Ehigiamusoe, President, LAPO Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society noted that their impact across Nigeria, especially among low-income households, women entrepreneurs, and small businesses, would not have been possible without the staff dedication.

She said each loan processed, each client served, each challenge overcome has contributed to the larger goal of promoting financial inclusion and improving livelihoods, adding that the ceremony therefore represents more than recognition but a celebration of the culture that defines them as an institution, a culture of service, integrity, excellence, and compassion.

Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Mathew Obazee charged the recipients to be more dedicated and make the organisation continue moving forward to an enviable heights.

Some participants at the event, Mrs. Stella Kieran-Ibekwe, Mrs. Philomena Irowa Elijah and Dr. Abel Ovensere appreciated the organisation for the recognition and promised to do more for the organisation.