It was a celebration of Excellence on Saturday evening as top dignitaries from different sectors in Nigeria bagged the Independent Newspapers Limited (INL) Awards for 2023 in recognition of their contributions in their various sectors in the country.
The 13th edition of the annual award ceremony, which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, was organized by INL, the publisher of Daily Independent, Saturday Independent, and Sunday Independent.
Among the awardees is the Yobe State Governor, Governor Mai Mala Buni, who bagged the Man of the Year Award; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State as the Tech Innovative Governor of the Year; Barr. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State also received the award for Governor of the Year (Community Empowerment); while the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, bagged the award for Governor of the Year (Education & Youth Empowerment).
Other Governors who received the INL prestigious award are: Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who clinched the Governor of the Year (Urban Development); Governor of Gombe State, Gov. Inuwa Yaya, won the Governor award of the Year (Health); Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State was also honored with the award of Governor of the Year (Community Development); and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, was also recognized with the award of Governor of the Year (Fiscal Discipline).
Other top personalities who bagged the much-talked-about award include: Dr. Tajudeen Abass, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who bagged the Legislator of the Year (National) Award; while Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu were both honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Security Company of the Year award was received by one of the most talked-about companies, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, for its competence in pipeline surveillance, and Seplat Petroleum Development Company (Indigenous Oil Company of the Year) among others.
The Bridge Builder and Royal Father of the Day was received by His Majesty Ogiame Atunwase III, the Olu of Warri, while the memorable occasion was chaired by former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, Aremo Olusegun Osoba.
Earlier in his address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Daily Independent Newspapers, Steve Omanufeme, said that for the year 2023, the company has been able to identify and recognize those who have performed excellently well in their various areas of endeavor.
The award was titled: “Celebrating Excellence.”
“The awardees were selected strictly based on their achievements while in office in 2023 without compromising the newspaper’s integrity as the most credible newspaper in Nigeria, with millions of followers to its credit,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, who is a former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, said: “Tonight is not a night of speeches but a night to honor awardees cut across all areas including political, religion, and culture.
He commended INL and members of the award committee for their abilities to select these high-class recipients who were honored.
“I am happy that one of our respected kings is also being honoured.”
He however commended the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwaswe 111 who was represented by the Awee Warri Kingdom, for honouring the occasion.
