In years gone by, the Edo produced great people such as Ogun Ewuare, the Oba who extended the empire the most.
Oba Esigie, who first visited Portugal, Queen Idia, the first recorded female general who led the army to stop the imminent invasion of Benin Kingdom by the Ebira People and their Nupe backers. Professor Ambrose Alli, first civilian Governor of old Bendel State (now Edo State), Chief Anthony Enahoro, the Nigerian Nationalist who moved the motion for Nigeria’s Independence from British Colonial rule in 1953 and died for the enthronement of true democratic federalism in Nigeria, Chief John Odigie – Oyegun, first Civilian Governor of Edo State and former National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, the Party of the Government of Nigeria.
Admirals Augustus Aikhomu and Mike Akhigbe both former Military Vice Presidents of Nigeria, General Samuel Ogbemudia, Military and later Civilian Governor of old Midwest/Bendel State, Dr. Fidelis Ayebare, Pharmaceutical manufacturer par excellence, Grey Longe, former Head of Civil Service of Nigeria, Chief Omobarie, former Inspector General of Police, Chief Lily Ojo, DG of Nigeria Prisons Services.
Hakeem Bello – Osagie, Banker extra Ordinary, Raymond Dokpesi, foremost Media Mogul, Mike Enahoro, Bruce Ovbiagele, NCC Broadcasters, Peter Pan Enahoro doyen of Nigerian Journalists, Abraham Ordia, former President of the Supreme Council of Sports in Africa, Isaac Ikhoria, boxer and first Olympic Medalist for Nigeria.
The list is unending.
Although these people excelled in their chosen fields of endeavours, many of them were not recognised, none celebrated in their life time at least not at home among their people.
Now BOEA (Best of Edo Award) is saying, NEVER AGAIN! We want to celebrate the Best of our people by recognising their exploits and achievements before their Obituaries.
BOEA wants to tell them, thank you for showing the way to the possibilities out there as long as you are diligent and excellent in your work.
Best of Edo Award is out to show that impossibility is nothing and excellence is possible if you try hard enough and it pays because you will stand proud before kings when you excel at your work.
Best of Edo Award are the light of our World. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. So says Jesus Christ in Matthew 5 verses 14-16.
Best of Edo Award is determined to shine the lights and show the way as they are already doing. Only this time, BOEA is providing this special platform of an Award Ceremony to let their light show their good works to the people and glorify God, the giver and rewarder of all.
It is no longer news that Edo State is endowed with renowned and acclaimed personalities of no mean repute. In every sphere of life, there is an Edo man representing. We have numerous heroes and superstars and we are always elated to recognise, applaud and emulate them.
These personalities have laid solid imprints for us to follow and the Best of Edo Awards is our veritable platform to annually celebrate our great sons and daughters in grandeur and pomp.
The Best of Edo Award, since 2018 have given worthy plaudits and recognition to our great achievers both at home and in the diaspora. Over time, these awards have become recognised by institutions, organisations and the government as credible and acceptable.
As the countdown to the 3rd edition ticks, there is a rush to nominate Edo sons and daughters who are movers and shakers in our socio-political, business, academics, sports, music and movie stars, media icons, to mention a few.
The timing is right and the stage is being set. Edo State is now the melting point of monumental activities from now till the end of the year. The focus of Nigerians is in her heart beat – Edo State and we can not be more proud of our own.
All hands are on deck to do the needful. The Best of Edo Award will honour the best of Edo State, wherever they are in the world. This is our vision and mission. We will give honour to whom honour is due.
The President of Walkfront African Network, Mr. Paul Ofoni, is resolute and determined to give visibility to Edo State and to our gains and achievements. This year’s event with the theme: PRESTIGIOUS PERFORMANCE will be aired live through various social media platforms as the world is ready to celebrate Edo State.
We are open to support, sponsorship and collaborations with well meaning corporate organisations, private and public enterprises to stand with us on this monumental event. Come, let us make our heritage proud yet again.
Nomination is currently ongoing online via www.walkfrontafrica.com.ng/boea
For more info on partnership/Sponsorship contact us on 0815 145 2642,
Email: [email protected]
IG/FB/Twitter: @walkfrontafrica, @bestofedoaward
