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CARDOSO, CBN SHINE AT NAIRAMETRICS CAPITAL MARKET CHOICE AWARDS

Akpo Ojo The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has been conferred with an honorary award at the maiden Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards, held in Lagos. Presenting the honorary award to Mr. Cardoso, the Founder/CEO of Nairametrics, Mr. Ugo Obi-Chukwu, said the award was in recognition of Cardoso’s transformative leadership and strategic contributions to Nigeria’s financial and capital markets Obi-Chukwu noted that under his leadership, the CBN has pursued reforms which have transformed the financial sector, restored investor confidence, deepened market participation, and fostered long-term economic resilience. In addition to the individual recognition, the Central Bank of Nigeria also won the “Market Reform Initiative of the Year” award, a testament to the bank’s continued efforts to drive systemic reforms and innovation within the financial ecosystem. According to the organisers, “the CBN’s recent policy interventions aimed at strengthening monetary transparency, investor confidence, and financial market stability earned it the distinguished award”. Receiving the award on behalf of the Cardoso and the CBN, the bank’s Director, Banking Supervision Department, Olubukola Akinwunmi, expressed gratitude to Nairametrics for the award and urged all stakeholders to continue striving for transparency to ensure stability in the financial system. Other honorary award recipients were the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; the Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama; and the President, Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, Prof Uche Uwaleke. Posthumous awards were also conferred upon the trio of the late Chief Akintola Williams, Nigeria’s first chartered accountant; the late Chief Subomi Balogun, pioneer banker; and the late Mrs.Florence Seriki, a pioneering female tech entrepreneur. The event featured 25 award categories and brought together key players from across the financial services sector to celebrate excellence, resilience, and leadership that are shaping the future of Nigeria’s capital market. Meanwhile, a public affairs analyst, Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo, has congratulated Cardoso and the apex bank for the honour bestowed on them He described the awards as well deserving and an acknowledgement of the reforms orchestrated by Cardoso since his appointment as the CBN governor by President Bola Tinubu.

NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS SET TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL PRESS FREEDOM WEEK

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to celebrate the International Press Week, which comes up on Saturday, May 3, 2025. National Secretary Achike Chude, in a statement, said the event aims to recognize and honor men and women in the noble profession, as well as give various recognitions to deserving citizens across different spectrums of governance and socio-economic engagements. Chude said the event seeks to beam a searchlight on those things that act as a constraint to the free participation and functioning of the media in the country. “If the press is not free, then the society is in shackles,” NUJ National President Alhassan Yahya said. Yahya emphasized that press freedom is a catalyst for good governance, and good governance makes dividends of democracy available to citizens in real terms. The Good Governance Award, a major activity of the event, will serve as a veritable barometer for assisting good governance and promoting accountability of elected and appointed public office holders. Chude said the award will engender fair review and competitions among political office holders and business leaders and educate citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Yahya noted that despite challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria, the NUJ remains committed to upholding principles of ethical journalism and promoting high standards of professionalism.

NAWOJ HONORS MINISTER IMAAN SULAIMAN-IBRAHIM WITH AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has announced that it will honor Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim with an Award of Excellence at its upcoming National Conference in Borno State. The conference is themed “Women Journalists, Peace, and Security in Nigeria” and will focus on the critical role of women journalists in promoting peace and security. NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, led a delegation to the Ministry of Women Affairs to advocate for a collaborative partnership aimed at empowering women and children across the country. During the visit, Ibrahim congratulated Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim on her recent appointment and global recognition, including the Changemaker Award received in New York. “We believe that the empowerment of women is not just a responsibility, but an essential component for the progress of our nation,” Ibrahim stated, stressing the importance of collective efforts to create a future where women and girls can thrive without fear of violence or discrimination. In response, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed her appreciation for the honor and reiterated her commitment to amplifying women’s voices across the country. “Women are a powerful force, and when we come together, supporting each other, we can change the narrative for a better society,” she remarked. The Minister also confirmed her intention to attend the NAWOJ National Conference and personally accept the award. She urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the current administration’s efforts to make Nigeria a better place.

NUJ FCT CHAIR, GRACE IKE, WINS AFRICAN LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD

Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, has received the African Leadership Excellence Award at the African Legendary Award (AFRILA 2025). Ike was recognized for her outstanding leadership, humanitarian efforts, and strong influence as a broadcast journalist. The award was presented at the third edition of the African Legendary Award in Abuja, with Ebriku John Friday, editor of the NUJ FCT online news platform, representing her. Friday highlighted Ike’s leadership qualities, including her focus on journalists’ well-being, inclusivity, and transformation. He also noted that she’s the first female chairperson in the NUJ FCT Council’s 41-year history. “I urge journalists to uphold ethical standards, strive for fair and balanced reporting,” Ike said, expressing gratitude to the organizers and dedicating the award to God and NUJ FCT Council members for their support. With over 17 years of experience as a broadcast journalist, Ike works with the Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) in Abuja. Her leadership has been marked by initiatives to improve journalists’ welfare, including plans for a Journalists’ Village and training programs.

WHAT ‘’INTERVENTIONIST AGENCY OF THE YEAR 2024 AWARD’’ MEANS TO NDDC, NIGER DELTANS

By; Jerome-Mario Utomi As Niger Deltans and others Nigerians continue to felicitate the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC for clinching the Daily Independent Newspaper Interventionist Agency of the Year 2024 Award in recognition of its landmark accomplishments and transformative impact on the Niger Delta region, analysts and stakeholders are of the view that the feat was a crystallization of the teamwork, collaboration and commitment to the development of the region shared by the NDDC governing board led by Barrister Chiedu Ebie and Management led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku. Many also believe that the Award signifies more vigour, coordinated, outstanding and sustainable development to the Niger Delta region and its people. Speaking at the colourful ceremony which was held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and which the organizers said aimed at celebrating individuals and organizations that have contributed to national development, Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Barrister Ebie, stated that the award was a call to more outstanding service. His remark: “The reward for hard work is more work. For us at the NDDC, this award means we must redouble our efforts. We will continue striving to positively impact the lives of Niger Delta people through sustainable development and infrastructure.” Similarly, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, acknowledged the Commission’s achievements and noted that there was still much more to accomplish.”This award is an encouragement to do more. The Niger Delta still needs more infrastructure and more development. If a newspaper of this magnitude recognizes our efforts, we must work even harder for the people”, Dr Ogbuku said. The NDDC Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde on his part highlighted the Commission’s shift from transactional to transformational engagements. “This award reflects the recently completed and commissioned projects across Rivers, Imo, Delta, and Abia states. It will inspire us to keep delivering. We see this as a challenge to achieve more and not to slow down,” he said. For me, what the award ceremony which was graced by notable Nigerians, including the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai and directors of NDDC, signifies is that Niger Deltans should brace up to witness more developmental strides, more life changing reforms and policies coming from the NDDC. Very key; a cursory look at the spate of effusive praises, endorsement and goodwill the present governing board and management of NDDC have been receiving from a broad spectrum of Nigerians, including highly place individuals, clearly signify the need for critical stakeholders to rally support for the Commission and its Board and management team for more refreshing and transformational achievements. Utomi, a Media Specialist writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He could be reached via Jeromeutomi@yahoo.com/08032725374.

NATIONAL DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD CONFERRED ON MS. EVELYN ONYILO

President and Founder of the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD) and Publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine, Ms. Evelyn Onyilo, has been honored with the National Distinguished Leadership Award. The award was presented to her by the Northern Youth Peace Ambassadors (NYPA) in Abuja over the weekend. According to Engr. Abdulmalik Usman, President of the NYPA, Ms. Onyilo was nominated for the award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, professional capabilities, and selfless commitment to humanitarian causes. He described her as an “Icon of Transformation and a Peace Ambassador” who has continued to contribute to national development and mentor young people. Engr. Usman congratulated Ms. Onyilo on the award, urging her to continue being a beacon of hope and advocate for the youth population. “We recognize your tireless efforts in promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, and service to humanity,” he said. Ms. Onyilo expressed her profound gratitude to the NYPA for the honor. “I am committed to continuing to advocate for gender equality, youth empowerment, and service to humanity,” she said. “Nigeria must recognize the importance of women and youth in nation-building and work towards their inclusion in all spheres of development.” As a veteran journalist and women’s advocate, Ms. Onyilo has made significant contributions to national development and has been a role model for young people. The National Distinguished Leadership Award is a testament to her dedication and commitment to creating positive change in Nigeria.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE RECEIVES AWARD FOR MOST IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY PARASTATAL OF 2024

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been recognized as the Most Improved Service Delivery Parastatal (SERVICOM Unit) in Nigeria for the year 2024. The award was presented to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, by the National Coordinator/CEO SERVICOM Presidency, assisted by other SERVICOM staff from the presidency. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said the award is a testament to the dedication and commitment of officers and men who are working tirelessly to improve service delivery of the Nigeria Police Force. Mrs. Nnena Akajemeli, in her address, noted that the strides the NPF has taken in recent times to ensure proper service delivery are remarkable, particularly in regards to the service charter and workplan on customer service in the year 2024. Adejobi stated that the IGP appreciated SERVICOM under the presidency for the recognition and reiterated the commitment of the Force to improved service delivery. “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to continuing this positive momentum, working closely with the public to create a safer and more secure environment for all Nigerians,” he said. The Inspector-General of Police urged all citizens to continue supporting the Force’s efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting all suspicious activities that could pose a threat to national security. Adejobi added that the award is given on merit, reaffirming that the Force has improved in service delivery, particularly in areas such as the creation of a customer service workplan to touch lives of Nigerians.