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Ibadan, the South West’s ‘political capital’ will on Sunday, January 29 stand still, as four state governors, United Bank for Africa, Access Bank and Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) are honoured with awards by Newspeak Media for their sterling achievements and contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The governors are Dr Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Ondo State’s Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu-Olu (Lagos).
While Akeredolu will receive the Courage in Leadership award, , Makinde will be honoured for his sustained workers-friendly policies. Okowa is recipient of the Most Youth-friendly Governor award while Sanwo-Olu-Olu is the Most Responsive Governor.
The award ceremony, which is Newspeak’s maiden edition, commemorates 10 years of the multi-media communication firm’s print publications.
Aside its online newspaper, newspeakonline.com, it publishes quarterly news and special magazines.
The awards, Newspeak management said, were benchmarked against stiff criteria of distinction, excellence, innovation, dynamism and personal qualities and impact of the activities and performance of the recipients on the society.
Other awardees will be honoured for similar exploits in politics, business, governance and entertainment, among others. They include the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Retd); Group Managing Director, Odua Investments Company Ltd. Mr Adewale Raji and the conglomerate’s Chairman Otunba Bimbo Asiru.
Others include the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Otegbayo; ace Juju musician and Chairman, Fresh FM, Dr. Yinka Ayefele; Dangote Cement, United Bank of Africa (UBA); Access Bank Plc; Bovas & Company Ltd. and Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA).
“The awardees have all shown remarkable initiative, daring and commitment to change the narratives and sorry states of the various sectors and positively impact our world. By their different natures and actions they are changing the game and making critical difference in government, businesses and more importantly, our lives. With their daring and genius, they inspire in Nigerians hope that tomorrow will be brighter and better,” says Newspeak’s Editor-in-Chief, Yinka Fabowale.
The Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi is expected as the royal father of the day.