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

Published

4 days 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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FG Signs MoU Agreements On Legacy Road Projects With Messrs Hitech, Infiouest Under President Tinubu’s Infrastructure Renewal Agenda

Published

12 hours ago

May 13, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, today signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between it and two (2) construction companies — Messrs Hitech Africa Limited and Infiouest International Limited — as part of the Renewed Hope Administration’s ongoing legacy road projects across the country.

The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, was attended by the Honourable Minister of Works, the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and representatives of the contracting firms led by their Managing Directors.

Speaking during the event, the Minister, H. E. Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE described the occasion as another milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.

According to the Minister, many people initially doubted and criticised the projects, but today they have seen the reality. “These projects are not just road projects; they are investments that will stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance national development and integration,” he stated.

The Minister also highlighted the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in transforming campaign promises into tangible developmental projects across the nation. He appealed to the people of the South-East and the South, generally, to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his 2027 re-election bid, describing the people of the zone as “ a people of wisdom.”

The Minister commended the Contractors handling the four (4) Legacy Road Projects for their professionalism, commitment, and adherence to engineering specifications and timelines. He noted that despite initial criticisms of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Nigerians are now witnessing its immense economic value and engineering excellence.

“When we started the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, many doubted its feasibility, but today the project has become a beauty to behold and an economic catalyst for Nigeria,” the Minister opined.

Engr. Umahi revealed that Section II of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway (Trans- Saharan Route) spans from the Ebonyi State Border -Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa States, while Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway passes through Oyo State, and Section V of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway goes through Akwa Ibom State. Work is progressing steadily on the other sections in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

He explained that Section V of the Coastal Highway traverses extremely difficult terrain, with over 70 percent of the route located in deep swampy soil requiring extensive excavation, filling, and reinforcement works.

“This is not an ordinary road project. It is an investment that will last for 100 years with minimal maintenance,” he added.The Minister further disclosed that the average cost per kilometre for the standard dual carriageway remains competitive despite the complex engineering requirements, including reinforced pavement structures, concrete drainage systems, culverts, and other road architecture.

Speaking on the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Minister stated that the project demonstrates Mr. President’s commitment to equitable infrastructure distribution across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He also highlighted the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure durability and quality in all road projects, stressing that contracts under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model would not be subject to arbitrary cost reviews, except under clearly established unforeseen circumstances.

Senator Umahi reiterated that the Federal Government would provide 30 percent counterpart funding for the projects, while the remaining would be sourced through a structured funding arrangement. He added that the roads upon completion would eventually be tolled to guarantee sustainability and return on investment.

The Managing Director of Hitech Africa Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, assured the Federal Government of the company’s readiness to deliver the projects within and even ahead of the 36-month completion timeline. “Hightech remains fully committed to delivering these projects to international standards, even better than what has already been achieved on Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway,” he stated.

He added that the company is eagerly waiting for the commissioning of the completed Section I in Lagos State, reaffirming the contractor’s commitment to quality, speed, and excellence.
The Ministry reassured its determination to continue delivering durable and economically beneficial road projects, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, GCFR.

The Minister used a popular proverb to encourage appreciation for hard work and dedication, saying: “When a lizard falls from a tall tree and nobody applauds it, it applauds itself.”

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan described the projects as hallmarks of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the nation’s infrastructure landscape and commended the Minister for his leadership and dedication to repositioning the road sector.

The Agreements were signed by the Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Ministry, while the Managing Directors signed for their respective contracting companies. They include;1. Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway, Section II: Ebonyi State Border – Benue – Kogi – Nasarawa States 2. Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Section IV: Oyo State 3. Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Section 5: Akwa Ibom State and 4. Dualisation of Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road, Section 2: Gombe – Biu.

“What we are doing today represents the President’s commitment to changing the face of infrastructure in Nigeria. Since the coming of the Minister, the road sector has witnessed tremendous transformation, and we are confident that these projects will be delivered within the stipulated timelines,” he stated.

Also speaking during the event was the Director, Highways, Bridges, and Design, Engr. Musa Sa’idu, who oversees the Legacy Road Projects, stated that the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s strategic infrastructure development programme, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, GCFR.

He disclosed that the agreements signed cover a new alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom State, spanning approximately 82.8 kilometres of Dual Carriageway; Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway covering about 180 kilometres; and the Biu-Gombe section of the Akwanga-Maiduguri corridor covering approximately 125 kilometres.

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