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

Published

5 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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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

14 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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