It was a night of glitz and glamour as the Nigeria Arise project honoured Nigerians who have contributed in their different ways to the development of image and development of Nigeria in the Diaspora. Nigeria Arise project was set up by BEN TV in 2007 to mobilize and empower Nigerians in the Diaspora towards calling on the government and institutions to do the right things towards the uplifting of the citizens and in the improvement of the livelihood of all.
The award night which attracted the former Governor of Abia state, Dr Idika Kalu, Ogun State Governor, Ibinkule Amosun, FCA, Governor Dickson, Pastor Tunde Bakare, who presides over Global Apostolic Impact Network and President of Latter Rain Ministries and also former Vice Presidential candidate under the APC; and the royal father of the day, HRH Oba Tejuoso, saw a number of Nigerians going home with awards in different categories.
Godswill Akpabio won the award for the most outstanding governor in Nigeria.
Those who won award included Hon. Tunji Bello, a Lagos State commissioner For Environment, Senator Izunaso from Imo State, Governor, Ogun State Nigeria; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Mr. Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Manufacturing company; Dr. John Osammor of Odeiga House Odeiga foods; Prince Mike Abiola Publisher of African Voice; Victor Olisa a Chief Superintendent in the Metropolitan Police; Prince Lipede Of Media Solution/ InfoTech;; Dr. Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Executive Kano State; Dr. Solomon Fubura for his services for business development and empowerment programmes; Professor Stanley Okolo & Dr. Peter Ozua for contributions in Health; Dr. Nazir Ahmed for Excellence in Education; Mr. Patrick Ideh of Bantuway Foods; Channels TV Broadcasting Channel in Nigeria and Dana and sports woman Christine Ileoma Ohuruogu.
Akpabio’s achievement takes centre stage
There was encomiums and wild applause as Governor Godswill Akpabio’s achievements in Akwa Ibom state were read out to the crowded audience.
Announcing the award, the Master of Ceremony, Charles Ajayi Kheran said: Ladies and gentlemen, the 33rd President of the United States Harry Truman said “Men make history and not the other way round. Where there is no leadership society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous skilful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better. When you find a leader changing things society, rejoice. Please join me in welcoming to the podium the Governor of Akwa Ibom State to the podium.”
The citation for the award to Gov Akpabio listed a volume of infrastructural development projects, as well as the introduction of free education for the youth, all of which has transformed the hitherto backward state into one of the wonder states of modern Nigeria.
Among other important achievements of the Governor are the establishment of a gas processing plant, the construction of the first e-library in West Africa, the establishment of the Tropicana, the construction of the Ibom power plant, the completion of the 30,000 seater International Stadium, the Ibom specialist hospital, massive housing project handed over to the Federal Government , the introduction of the minimum wage of N21,000 above the N18,000 approved rate, the training and empowerment of women, amongst other.
The Founder of Nigeria Arise Dr. Alistair Soyode said: “We call on all Nigerians to be proud of their heritage, cultures and it is our unique responsibilities to participate in National Development and in the committee of nations.”
The party which took place at the posh Holiday Inn in Regent Park, Central London was convivial as Ben TV live band and international artist Daddy Showkey entertained the colourful audience
Awards recipients and categories
Mike Abiola of African Voice Nigeria Arise Nollywood Ambassador 2014
2. Professor Stanley Okolo Nigeria Arise Health Ambassador 2014
3. Dr. Peter Ozua Nigeria Arise Health Ambassador 2014
4. Ms. Christine Ohuruogu Nigeria Arise Sport Ambassador 2014
5. Mr. Femi Okutubo of Trumpet Nigeria Arise Media Ambassador 2014
6. Dr. John Osammor of Odeiga House Nigeria Arise Food Ambassador 2014
7. Dr. Solomon Fubara Nigeria Arise Business Ambassador 2014
8. Ms. Yewande Akinola Nigeria Arise Innovation Ambassador 2014
9 Patrick Ideh of Bantuway Nigeria Arise Enterprises Ambassador 2014
10 . Senator Osita Izunaso Nigeria Arise NGO Ambassador 2014
11. Honourable Tunji Bello Nigeria Arise Environmental Ambassador 2014
12. Senator Ganiyu Solomon Nigeria Arise Special Ambassador 2014
13. Mr. Jimmy Agbaje Nigeria Arise Mentor/Inspiring Ambassador 2014
14. Dana Air Nigeria Arise Airline Ambassadors 2014
15. Dr. Nazir Ahmed od Best Tutors Nigeria Arise Education Ambassador 2014
16. Pastor Agu Irukwu Nigeria Arise Leader’s Ambassador 2014
17. Apostle Alfred Williams of CFT Nigeria Arise Leader’s Ambassador 2014
18. Kaduna Gov HE Mukhtar Yero Nigeria Arise Peace Ambassador 2014
19. Channels TV Nigeria Arise Television Ambassador 2014
20. Kano State/Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso Nigeria Arise Youths/SME 2014
21 Ogun State Gov Sen Ibikunle Amosun FCA Nigeria Arise Most Industrially developed State 2014
22. INNOSON GROUP Nigeria Arise Entrepreneurial Ambassador 2014
23. Chief Superintendent Victor Olisa Nigeria Arise Brand Ambassador 2014
24. Pst. Dr. Tunde Bakare Nigeria Arise Nation’s Builder Ambassador 2014
25. CG Ibrahim Dikko Inde Nigeria Arise Special Ambassador 2014
26. Prince Lipede of Media Solution Nigeria Arise Entertainment Ambassador 2014
27. Mr. Richard Taylor Nigeria Arise Special Ambassador 2014
28. HRH Oba Tejuoso Nigeria Arise Goodwill Ambassador 2014
29. HE Sen. Dalhatu Tafida CFR OFR Nigeria Arise Mentor’s Ambassador 2014
30 Akwa Ibom Gov Godswill Akpabio Nigeria Arise Most OUTSTANDING Governor in Infrastructural Development.
