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Democracy Heroes Award Africa Honours Governor Radda

Published

3 years ago

October 16, 2023

—-Clinches Icon Personality of the Year Award

Lateef Taiwo

In a momentous announcement, Democracy Heroes Award Africa has bestowed one of its highest honours upon His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, the governor of Katsina State.

Governor Radda is set to receive the prestigious Democracy Heroes Award for the eleventh edition in 2023.

The confirmation of this remarkable recognition was marked by the presentation of a certificate, bearing the signature of Mr. Alexander Olufunsho Ajagbonna, (Fajag) Project Director, Face of Democracy, FDN.

This symbolic gesture took place at the Katsina State Governors lodge in Abuja on Sunday, adding to the significance of Governor Radda’s leadership journey.

The much-anticipated award ceremony, scheduled for October 16, 2023, will be held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

During this Gala event, Governor Radda will be honoured with the highly sought-after “Iconic Personality of the Year” award.

This accolade acknowledges his exceptional achievements within the first 100 days of his term in office.

Governor Radda’s selection as the award recipient reflects the faith and admiration of the people.

He emerged as the people’s choice through a transparent online voting process.

He secured a significant 32 per cent of the total votes cast, totaling an impressive 2,671 votes, surpassing his closest rival, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, who received 2,168 votes. Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State followed with 1,145 votes, while Governor Hycinth Alia of Benue garnered 791 votes, and Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom received 742 votes.

The award’s organizers have emphasized that it recognizes Nigerian governors who achieved electoral victories through clear percentage wins in free and fair contests.

These leaders are distinguished by their innovative approaches to improving their states’ economies.

The awardees are rigorously vetted to ensure fiscal responsibility and a commitment to serving the people, with a dedication to enhancing the quality of life and creating future opportunities for generations to come.

This award is a testament to Governor Radda’s exemplary public service and his commitment to the well-being of the people he tirelessly serves.

The forthcoming award ceremony promises to be a momentous and grand affair.

Distinguished guests, political figures, and community leaders will gather to celebrate Governor Malam Umaru Dikko Radda and his exceptional contributions to Katsina State.

This recognition underscores the profound impact he has had on the lives of the citizens he represents, cementing his place as a true democracy hero.

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AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

By James Samuel, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.

This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.

“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.

“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”

He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.

“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.

He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.

“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.

She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.

“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.

The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.

The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.

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