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Benue Governor Alia, Others Honoured at Accolade Yellow Ball & Awards 2026

Published

6 months ago

May 9, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The 6th edition of the Accolade Yellow Ball & Awards 2026 brought together governors, first ladies, ministers, captains of industry, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and public officials in Abuja for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, leadership, and national impact.

The prestigious event, organised by Accolade Dynamics Ltd, honoured distinguished individuals and organisations for their contributions to governance, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, public administration, community development, and social impact across Nigeria and the African continent.

Among the notable personalities present at the event were the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah; and the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

Also in attendance were the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, and the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, alongside several distinguished guests from across the country.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; and the Secretary to the Commission of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Mrs. Rose Omoa Oriaran-Anthony, were also among dignitaries present at the event.

Other prominent guests included logistics and trade expert, Mr. Nduka Udeh; members of the De Imperial Philanthropic Family; senior government officials; business leaders; development advocates; and stakeholders from different sectors of society.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Accolade Dynamics Ltd, Doofan Chizaram Tor, described the awards as a platform committed to recognising excellence, resilience, innovation, and transformational leadership across different sectors.

According to her, the initiative has continued to celebrate individuals and institutions making meaningful contributions in governance, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, humanitarian service, technology, and national development.

“Tonight is about recognising excellence across different sectors and celebrating individuals whose work continues to inspire progress and development. We are here to honour people who were nominated and voted for by members of the public through Accolade Dynamics Ltd,” she said.

Tor noted that the 2026 edition reflected the growing credibility and national reach of the platform, which she described as a recognition initiative dedicated to celebrating visionaries and changemakers shaping the future of society.

She further explained that this year’s selection process incorporated public participation through a voting system designed to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility.

“We did not only recognise political leaders. We also honoured entrepreneurs, companies, foundations, and individuals making tangible contributions within their communities and industries. The voting process allowed Nigerians to actively participate in identifying deserving recipients,” she added.

She encouraged young Nigerians and emerging leaders to remain committed to hard work, resilience, and excellence regardless of their background or circumstances.

Among the major highlights of the evening was the conferment of the Best Performing Governor in Infrastructural Development award on the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. The award was received on his behalf by former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam.

Speaking at the event, Suswam said the recognition reflected the ongoing commitment of Governor Alia’s administration to infrastructural development and governance in Benue State.

“I believe the award reflects the ongoing efforts of the governor in laying foundations for sustainable development in Benue State despite prevailing challenges. His administration has continued to pursue infrastructural projects with determination, and this recognition is commendable,” he said.

Suswam acknowledged that security concerns, including clashes between herders and farmers as well as criminal activities, remained significant challenges within the state, while expressing optimism that continued support from the Federal Government would improve the situation.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the recognition as an indication that the ministry’s efforts toward women empowerment and social development were yielding positive results.

“A few days ago, women across Nigeria gathered under the ‘Power of 10 Million’ initiative to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for women, children, families, and vulnerable groups. Women from different political parties, generations, and regions came together in support of policies aimed at advancing women development in the country,” she said.

The minister further stated that the Federal Government was taking steps to strengthen Nigeria’s social welfare system through the implementation of the Social Work Council Act.

“Mr. President has prioritised the implementation of the Social Work Council Act, and Nigerians will soon witness the emergence of a stronger social work framework and a more effective welfare workforce across the country,” she stated.

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DNKI President Champions Humanitarian Service, Sustainable Community Development

Published

23 hours ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Samania

The President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable people and improving community welfare beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day.

Ityohegh stated this during the organisation’s Cauldron Night and Award Presentation held to commemorate its 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration, theme: “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Well-being.” organised by the DNKI Abuja Chapter.

He emphasised that humanitarian service should be a continuous responsibility driven by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.

According to him, DNKI’s humanitarian activities reflect its dedication to giving back to society and supporting people in need, while encouraging members to sustain initiatives that promote human dignity and community well-being.

He added that the organisation would continue to strengthen its humanitarian engagements through practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people and promoting community development.

Speaking at the event, the representative of the Abuja Chapter Chairman and Chairman of its Advisory Council, Prince Efiong Okpe, said the organisation’s humanitarian activities extended beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day on October 15.

Okpe explained that DNKI undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including blood donation exercises, visits to hospitals and correctional centres, as well as support for orphanages and other vulnerable groups.

According to him, the organisation also collaborated with humanitarian bodies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to identify areas of need and provide assistance within its available resources.

He described Humanitarian Day as an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to service and demonstrate solidarity with people facing difficult circumstances.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Coordinator of the DNKI Gwagwalada Zone, Mr Etudaiye Hamzat, disclosed that the chapter had provided financial assistance to some members to help pay their children’s school fees, alongside distributing bags of rice and other relief items to members experiencing hardship.

Hamzat explained that the interventions followed concerns over the difficulties some members faced in meeting their family responsibilities, particularly the rising cost of their children’s education.

He maintained that supporting members in need was consistent with the organisation’s humanitarian principles, adding that DNKI remained committed to extending assistance to non-members and vulnerable communities as part of its commitment to leading by example.

Looking ahead, Hamzat said the Abuja Chapter planned to expand its humanitarian outreach to remote communities within the FCT, with particular attention to orphanages, schools and widows facing difficulties in meeting their family responsibilities.

He also recalled previous interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which included the distribution of food, clothing and educational materials, noting that the chapter intended to scale up such initiatives in the coming year.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding members and distinguished non-members in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service.

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