Obaseki bags Zik Good Governance Award, pledges to sustain devt’al strides in Edo

  …says award a renewed energy to do more for Edo people, finish well

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been honoured with the prestigious Zik Prize for Good Governance, in recognition of his government’s sterling performance across all sectors of the State over the past seven years, improving the lives of millions of Edo people and putting the State on the path of sustainable and accelerated growth and development.

The Governor, during the 2021/2022 Zik Leadership Award ceremony, in Lagos, said the honour is a call to do more for the people of the State, pledging to sustain the developmental strides across various sectors of the State’s economy.


L-R: The President of the African Export-Import Bank, Professor Benedict Oramah; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, during the 2021/2022 Zik Leadership Award Ceremony, in Lagos, where Governor Obaseki was honoured with the Prize for Good Governance.

Obaseki was accompanied by his wife, Betsy; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq.; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku and other members of the EDHA; Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter, Anthony Aziegbemi, among other top functionaries.

Other guests at the event are Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Oti; Chairman of Sterling Bank, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; former Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, among other dignitaries.

Obaseki while receiving the award, said: “It's not difficult to govern well, it could be inconvenient but it's not impossible; just do the right thing and what is just. This award has given me a renewed energy to strive and finish well."

“I am happy to be here to receive this prize for good governance from this distinguished group, the Public Policy Research and Analysis Center (PPRAC). It's very humbling to be honoured amongst the awardees tonight and it's a privilege for me."

“This award comes to me at a very interesting time in my political career as I wind down my term in office. I am undergoing introspection asking, is it worth it?  Has it been worthwhile? Is it being appreciated? Did you make a mistake? Coming here tonight to be awarded this prize for good governance, makes one feel that it is worth it making all the sacrifices.”

According to him, “This honour and prize is significant because I am being told that I am a recognized leader in a State and system that perhaps some have described as failing. The award has put on us, recipients, enormous responsibilities that if you are truly a leader and recognized to be so, then you have enormous responsibilities to make sure that the system that recognized you as leaders is provided with real leadership and governance so that it doesn't fail."

“I want to make a pledge today that the reward of hard work is more work. The reward for responsibility is more responsibility.  I will take up that challenge, thanks to you all that made it possible.”

The Governor further noted, “I am here tonight accompanied by friends and colleagues in government, from the executive, legislative and the judiciary. One of the things we have tried to do in Edo State is to make all parts of the system aligned and work together in synergy. It has not been easy but the evidence after seven years shows it is working.”

He added, “I appreciate the organizers of this event and to say that we truly appreciate you as the process for us has been very transparent and seamless and has been of high standards and quality. I will always cherish this and thank you for giving me the impetus to strive.”

In his welcome address, the chairman of the Advisory Board of the Public Policy Research and Analysis Center (PPRAC), organisers of the Zik Award, Prof. Jubril Aminu, said the award remains a reference point on the continent to honour and recognize leaders who have distinguished themselves in their chosen areas of specialization.

Prof. Aminu represented by a member of the board, Sir. Mark Wabara, said, “Every nation committed to becoming great must have leaders and must rely on them to be agents of growth and tackle the challenges facing the nation putting it on the threshold of development.”

The Chairman of the award ceremony, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha said the purpose of the award is to promote and recognize leadership in public life and celebrate the legacy of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who is an epitome of leadership.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Education Remains a Top Priority of Our Policy Thrust: Gov. Fubara

Image
The Rivers State Government says it will continue to place education as one of the top most priorities of its policy thrust. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday 24th February, 2024. The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said although the University of Port Harcourt is a Federal University the State Government would continue to support and collaborate with it to place it in a path that  would be the envy of other institutions. “We shall support you because whenever we add value to this institution, you add double value to whatever we have placed before you and we shall continue to ensure that you are given a place of high distinction and excellence”, the Governor stressed. Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration was desirous to create the enabling environment to ensure Rivers State remains a preferred destination to achieve quality education in the count...
Read more

Governor Mutfwang Crowns New Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit

Image
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has performed the coronation of the New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit. The ceremony is coming nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong. Governor Mutfwang, who performed the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas. He warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state. He also implored citizens to alway accept the will of God in all circumstances. "I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state." the Governor stated. "Let me s...
Read more

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF AN ENLARGED MEETING ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024

Image
The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of H.E. Governor Bala A. Mohammed, CON, held an enlarged meeting at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge, Tatari Ali House, Asokoro on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Rising from the consultative meeting of the various organs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party resolved as follows: 1. The National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting originally slated for October 24, 2024, has been rescheduled to November 28, 2024. 2. The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections of November 16, 2024 with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering All Progressive Congress, APC government in the state. 3. Reiterating the need for unity in the face of efforts by detractors to divide the party, the meeting called on all members to shun divisive utterances that could undermine ongoing efforts at strengthening the party to effectively play its role as the country’s main opposition, preparatory...
Read more