OurNigeria Awards 2024: A Night of Excellence
OurNigeria Awards 2024: A Night of Excellence
Jerry Adesewo
As I stood at the podium of the 6th edition of the OurNigeria Awards, marshaling the event, not just as the Master of Ceremonies on the night, the atmosphere in the Abuja Continental Hotel was electric. It was a night unlike any other—an evening dedicated to celebrating the best of Nigeria. As Editor-in-Chief of OurNigeria News, I have had the privilege of witnessing incredible moments in our nation’s journey, but that night, of Thursday, January 30, felt special.
We were there to recognise excellence, leadership, and impact, and one of the brightest stars of the evening was Governor Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State. The applause was thunderous when his name was called for the Best Governor of the Year Award.
From my vantage point on stage, I watched as Governor Namadi rose from his seat, with a humble demeanour, flanked by dignitaries and aides, and made his way to the podium. His strides were steady and purposeful—he was a man who knew the weight of responsibility that came with leadership. As he was handed him the award, I could see the deep sense of commitment in his eyes.
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A Call for Grassroots Development
Taking the microphone, Governor Namadi delivered a speech that struck at the heart of Nigeria’s developmental challenges. He spoke not of personal achievements but of the people—the farmers, the teachers, the market women, the young graduates in search of opportunities.
“Nigeria can only rise when we build from the ground up,” he began. His voice carried the weight of someone who had seen first-hand how true transformation begins at the grassroots.
“True development must start from the grassroots. When we invest in rural communities—providing quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities—we empower millions of Nigerians, reduce poverty, and create a nation where prosperity is shared, not concentrated in urban centres.” He added that ‘development is in the grassroots, not in Abuja.’
The hall was silent as he spoke, hanging onto every word. His administration, he explained, had priotised a model for grassroots development in Jigawa, focusing on education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment. And this award, he said, was not for him alone but for every hardworking citizen of Jigawa State who had played a role in this transformation.
A Moment of Reflection
As the Master of Ceremonies, my role was to keep the evening flowing smoothly, but Governor Namadi’s speech made me pause. He wasn’t just accepting an award—he was challenging us all. He was reminding the nation that no matter how many skyscrapers we build in our cities, true progress is measured by the lives we uplift in our villages and towns.
His words resonated deeply, not just with the audience but with the entire spirit of the OurNigeria Awards. This was precisely why this platform existed—to honour leaders who were not only changing narratives but also changing lives. So, when he said, “When awards are given on merit, it encourages people to do more,” he was encouraging OurNigeria News Magazine to sustain its efforts in promoting national development, through this annual awards.
A Celebration of Excellence
Governor Namadi was in remarkable company that night. Other distinguished recipients of the OurNigeria Awards 2024 included:
At the pinnacle of the night’s recognitions stood Alhaji Aliko Dangote, named Man of the Year.
In the realm of military excellence, Lt-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun (Rtd.) and Brig-Gen. Michael Mukokomani (Rtd.) from Botswana were honoured with the TY Buratai Excellence Award in Military Leadership.
The spirit of giving was also celebrated, with Ahmed Musa, Super Eagles captain, Known not just for his prowess on the pitch but for his humanitarian efforts, receiving the Philanthropy of the Year award.
The night also recognised champions of inclusivity, as Dr. Chike Okogwu and Mr. Adetunde Ademefun were bestowed with the Ability in Disability Award and Disability Champion Award, respectively. Their relentless advocacy for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities has opened doors for many, ensuring accessibility and opportunities for all, regardless of physical challenges.
Each award presented was more than a plaque or a title—it was a symbol of dedication, impact, and the promise of an even greater future. As the curtains fell on the OurNigeria Awards 2024, it was evident that the night was not just about celebration, but about igniting inspiration for a new generation of leaders. Those honoured stood as beacons of hope, proving that through excellence, service, and integrity, Nigeria continues to rise.
Each awardee, like Governor Namadi, had demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to nation-building. The hall was filled with applause, standing ovations, and a renewed sense of what was possible for Nigeria.
A Commitment to Do More
Before leaving the stage, Governor Namadi made a promise.
“This award is not just an honour but a responsibility. My fellow recipients and I will remain good ambassadors of this recognition, striving to do even more for our country. This is not the peak—it is only the beginning.”
His words were met with another wave of applause. It was clear that the audience believed him. And as he returned to his seat, I knew this was a moment that would stay with us long after the lights of the awards night had dimmed.
As the evening progressed, we celebrated, laughed, and even shed a few tears as stories of impact were shared. The OurNigeria Awards had once again proven to be a platform not just for recognition but for inspiration and national reflection.
Standing there, watching the awardees take their well-deserved honours, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Nigeria was indeed rising, and with leaders like Governor Umar Namadi, whose scholarship programme in Jigawa state has become the talk of the town, nationally, and the other awardees, there was every reason to believe in a brighter future.
That night, excellence was not just celebrated—it was reaffirmed. And as the Editor-in-Chief of OurNigeria News, I left the event more convinced than ever that Nigeria’s best days are ahead.
OurNigeria Awards 2024: A Night of Excellence