Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, former Vice President, Atiku
Abubakar and other prominent Nigerians received the Independent
Newspaper Awards at the weekend.
The ceremony which was held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and
Suites, Lagos was the 10th Edition of Independent Newspaper Awards.
Governor Wike bagged the Governor of the Year in Infrastructural
Development for the infrastructural revolution taking place in Rivers
State.
The Managing Director, Independent Newspaper Limited, Mr. Steve
Omanufeme, said Governor Wike has used the construction of roads and
other infrastructure to expand the economy of the State.
“This year’s award focuses on people with exceptional performance in
their chosen profession and walks of life. That is why it is themed:
Recognising Excellence.
“Our Board of Editors specifically embarked on thorough and painstaking
assessment exercise from which our distinguished awards recipients were
selected.
“So, today we are here to celebrate you all for your services to Nigeria
in your chosen fields. Indeed, you all have a rich resume of achievement
worthy of emulation,” he stated.
Receiving the award on behalf of Governor Wike, the state Commissioner
for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, thanked the
management of Independent Newspapers for recognising the development
strides of the Governor.
He said that Governor Wike has within the last six years redefined
governance by embarking on people oriented projects in the 23 Local
Government Areas of Rivers State..
According to him, the State has become the reliable index for
development even in the face of COVID-19 which has slowed down
governance across the globe.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Bamidele Alimi, who is also the
Director-General of the Institute of Directors in Nigeria, enjoined
media practitioners to use corporate social responsibility to reshape
the nation.
Other award recipients include, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr.
Abdullahi Sule; Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State; and
Governor Darius Ishaku, Taraba State.