Headlining a weeklong chain
of events in London to celebrate the success of Nigeria over the past 100
years, GLEEHD Foundation in partnership with the Commonwealth Democracy
Initiative, ROSTRA Consulting & Amandla Consulting hosted the cream de la
cream of the Nigerian Public and Private sector at a Gala and Award Night to
recognise the contribution of Eminent Nigerians and Nigeria’s Emerging Leaders
on March 11, 2014 as Nigeria celebrates its Centenary. Continue...
The Gala Award Night honoured
the contribution of Nigerian luminaries and other exceptional Nigerians at the
Sheraton Park Lane Mayfair Hotel in London which had the participation of
Commonwealth Leaders, British and Nigerian Political Leaders, Friends of
Nigeria and Nigerians in Diaspora.
Speaking at the Gala, Dayo
Israel, GLEEHD Foundation’s Director for Africa said “Tonight we gather here to
say thank you to those whose effort have contributed to the continuous growth
and progress of our nation Nigeria in the last 100years, those who through
thick and thin have sacrificed to ensure the dignity of our nation is upheld,
and the emerging leaders of these generation who would be responsible for
keeping the flame alive – as we celebrate, we inspire others to rise and play
their part in rebuilding the Nigeria of our dream.
The award aimed to grace the
lives and achievements of Eminent Nigerians and Nigeria’s luminaries of the
last 100 years, leaders who have shown exceptional imagination, foresight or
resilience in a number of key fields - especially leaders that have reversed
trends, shaken of traditional limitations, and acted as an example and
inspiration to others.
The event also saw the
presentation of the “Keepers of the Flame” Award to young inspirational
Nigerians; Nigerian of the Century Award to General Yakubu Gowon – Chief MKO
Abiola, HIM Oba Adesoji Aderemi, HIM Oba Okunade Sijuade and Chief Obafemi
Awolowo; and the Outstanding Contribution to Women and Youth through Governance
to a joint recipient of President Goodluck Jonathan and Dame Patience Jonathan.
Speaker of the House of Representative – Rt.
Hon Tambuwal and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu were also recipient of the A.D King
Prize for Courage in Leadership; while Senate President David Mark and The
National Assembly of Nigeria jointly received the CDI Prize for Outstanding
Contribution under Exceptional Circumstances for their roles in the last days
of President Yar’Adua and for introducing the Doctrine of Necessity to save the
nation from collapse.
In his remarks, Gowon
expressed gratitude to the organisers especially GLEEHD Foundation and urged
Nigerians to continue to strive for excellence as the nation entered another
century.
Guests at the event included over
5 Nigerian Governors including Yuguda of Bauchi, Oshiomole of Edo, Uduaghan of
Delta; and Representatives of the Governors of Kwara State, Osun State, Oyo
State and Plateau State; Baroness Lynda Chalker – Chair of the Honorary
International Investors' Council; Lord Alan Watson of Richmond and Chair of the
Commonwealth Democracy Initiative; Chairman of Etisalat Nigeria – Mr Hakeem
Belo-Osagie; Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group – Foluso Phillips,
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Rt Hon Monsurat Sunmonu, M.D of
Nigeria’s Bank of Industry – Dr. Evelyn Oputu, Representatives of the Ooni of
Ife – Their Royal Highnesses Oba Adeyemi Adediran the Owa Omiran of Esa Oke and
Laroka of Wanikin Oba Kole Ojutalayo, Senator Gbenga Obadara – Chairman Senate
Committee on Privatisation; Senator Gyang Pwajok; Dr. Charles Akinola; Mr. Olu
Jacobs and Mrs Joke Silva, Former President of Nigeria General Yakubu Gowon,
Nigeria’s Minister of Power – Prof Chinedu Osita Nebo; Mrs Eniola Fadayomi –
President of the Nigerian Institute of Directors; and many others.
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