Shettima, Obi, Kwankwaso, Akpabio, Fayemi, Others to Receive Awards

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Governor’s Mandate Magazine will on December 7 honour former governors of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum with the Governor’s Mandate Legacy Awards. 

Those to be honoured include former governor of Borno State and Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, former governor of Kano State and 2023 presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Other awardees are Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, who was also the Chairman of the governors’ forum, Senator Dickson Seriake (Bayelsa State), Senator Adams Oshiohmole (Edo State) and Senator Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara State).

Other awardees include Senator Bukola Saraki (Kwara State), Dr. Sule Lamido (Jigawa State ), Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo State), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia State), Mr. Nyesom Wike (Rivers State), Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos State), Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom State), Donald Duke (Cross River State), and David Umahi (Ebonyi State). 

Others are Senator Dickson Seriake (Bayelsa State), Mallam Isa Yuguda (Bauchi State), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina State), Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi State) and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto State).

A statement by Earl Osaeo Onaiwu, former director general of the governors’ forum and promoter of the Governors Mandate Legacy, said that the keynote address will be delivered by former President Gooduck Jonathan.  

Onaiwu said that the award is to honour some outstanding former governors as part of the 3rd Awards and gala night of Governor’s Mandate Legacy Awards.  

According to the statement, “This esteemed event aims to recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of past governors in the realms of infrastructural development, health, education, and tourism.

The statement further said that the Governor’s Mandate Legacy Awards aims to showcase the remarkable contributions made by outstanding leaders during their tenure in office. 

He said that these awards serve as a testament to their dedication, passion, and commitment to the growth and development of their respective states, leaving an indelible legacy for future generations.

“Honouring exemplary governors, the inaugural gala night will present awards to a select group of exceptional individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts in their communities,”  Onaiwu said.

According to him, “The event will be graced by distinguished guests, esteemed members of the political and business community, and other prominent personalities from across the nation. Attendees will have the privilege of hearing a keynote address from a true hero of Nigerian democracy and a man of peace, former President, H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”

Also, the statement said that “The Governor’s Mandate Legacy Awards will showcase the achievements of these adroit leaders in diverse areas that have significantly transformed their communities. 

“Their notable impact in infrastructural development, health, education, and tourism has paved the way to a brighter future for all Nigerians.

“This gala night promises to be an extraordinary occasion filled with inspiration, enlightenment, and celebration, providing a platform to acknowledge the honourable contributions of these governors and heroes of democracy. 

“The event will also serve as an opportunity for leaders, policy-makers, and stakeholders to come together and explore avenues for collaboration towards the continued development of our great nation,” he explained.