Nigeria’s Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof Ali Isa Pantami, has said public officials do not anticipate that they would be recognised with awards when serving humanity and contributing to the development of the nation.
Pantami said this after receiving the Triangle News Magazine Personality of the Year Award in London, United Kingdom, on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Pantami, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to UK and Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohammed Buba Marwa were honoured at the event as Personalities of the Year, while Hon Ndidi Elumelu, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives was named one of the Outstanding Lawmakers of the 9th Assembly. Also honored at the event, is Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Odebiyi who bagged the Senator of the year award at the event.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, while the Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, was represented by his Personal Assistant, Mrs Remi Onasanya, Hon. Elumelu was represented by the son of Delta state governor-elect – Clinton Oborevwori.
The Minister in his remarks said “it is indeed a privilege to be given the opportunity to serve humanity, most importantly your country and people. When we serve our country and people, we do so without expecting any award. However, when our modest effort is appreciated by awarding us, it goes a long way in encouraging us to do more for our country and humanity.
“I do hope that whatever we have achieved so far, we will try to do more in any position or capacity we find ourselves in order to continue to take our country to greater height.”
According to the organisers, speaking through the Publisher of the Magazine, Otunba Femi Salako, the 2023 Triangle News Award celebrates outstanding members of the outgoing ninth National Assembly, eminent public officials and citizens, who have contributed immensely to the development of our great nation over the last four years.
Pantami, Sanwo-Olu, Ishola, Elumelu, Marwa and other honourees were recognised for their exceptional contributions and indelible footprints in their respective offices which has added value to the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“They have risen to the various occasions when Nigerians needed them the most, etching their names in the history books of our nation,” the organiser said.
In his lecture, the Guest speaker at the event , Professor Ademola Ojo – dissected the key variables inhibiting the viability of Nigerian projects and noted that security of lives and properties; defective economy, vis-a-vis massive unemployment of the youths, energy (power) disruption for capacity utilisation, and socio-religious upheaval are triangular monsters that must be confronted squarely by the incoming administration of Asiwaju Tinubu post-inauguration.
The Professor of Cybersecurity/Information Technology Management said he is confident that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, by antecedents, is imbued with the appropriate leadership and political attributes to restore hope to a fledgling nation.