Some outstanding Nigerians were on Monday honoured with an excellence award by First Daily for their exceptional contributions in governance, leadership, creativity, and enterprise.
The event which was the 5th Anniversary celebration of the publication took place in Abuja and featured a lecture on the theme “How Can We Make Our Votes Count” which was delivered by renowned scholar and public speaker, Dr. Sam Amadi.
The gathering which attracted dignitaries from across the country, had in attendance Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, his Zamfara and Rivers counterparts, Dr. Dauda Lawal and Sir Siminalayi Fubara who were all represented by a powerful delegation as well as businessman, Mr. Azibaola Robert who stood in for former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and other prominent personalities also joined in the 5th anniversary celebration.
According to the management of First Daily, the recipients were carefully selected after a rigorous vetting process by a special selection team, ensuring that each honouree truly exemplified excellence, integrity, and impact in their respective spheres.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, was named Governor of the Year on Infrastructural Development for his administration’s visible achievements in road construction, bridges, and community linkages that have opened up Bayelsa to new economic opportunities.
Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, clinched the Governor of the Year Award for Good Governance for his bold reforms, transparency initiatives, and effective response to the security and developmental challenges in Zamfara State.
The Governor of the Year Award for Civil Service Development and Workers’ Welfare went to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in recognition of his people-centred administration, timely payment of salaries and pensions, and commitment to restoring dignity to public service.
Also honoured was Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, who received the Outstanding Lawmaker of the Year Award for his exemplary legislative record, consistent advocacy for the Niger Delta, and enduring contributions to national unity and democratic consolidation.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Year (Public Sector) award was presented to Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for his visionary leadership and reforms that have repositioned the Commission as an effective vehicle for regional development and empowerment.
Industrialist and business magnate, Chief Cletus Ibeto, received the Most Valuable Seaport Terminal Operator in Nigeria Award for his enduring impact on industrial growth, maritime development, and job creation through the Ibeto Group.
In the creative category, Kevin Chinedu Arua, popularly known as Kevinblak, was honoured as Outstanding Creative Personality of the Year for his remarkable contributions to entertainment, content innovation, and youth development in Nigeria’s creative industry.
The management of First Daily described the awards as a befitting appreciation of individuals whose work has positively influenced lives and strengthened national progress, reaffirming that the selection process was meticulous and merit-driven.
The First Daily 5th Anniversary Excellence Awards underscored the publication’s enduring commitment to promoting excellence, integrity, and service in both public and private sectors.
