The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Umar Danbatta, and Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, are among Nigerians to be honoured with merit awards on Thursday in Lagos.
They will be honoured at the public presentation of: “Nigeria Heroes and Sheroes: Diary of a Journalist of Courage.”
Ken Ugbechie, Publisher of Political Economist NG, authored the book.
The event, slated for April 6, 2023 at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, would also feature the presentation of Political Economist Merit Award to some outstanding Nigerians and corporates in both the public and private sectors.
A statement by Ugbechie one Wednesday described the event as an occasion to celebrate development in the country and reward some of the people who, despite all odds, have sustained the spirit of nationalism and productivity at their various stations in life.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and his Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodimma, would, among other dignitaries, headline the event.
The 644-page book, published by Godson and Godman, publishers of Political Economist, curates milestones and imprints of development even as it exposes some of the perils that have over the decades slowed down the advancement of the nation.
According to the statement: “The book periscopes Nigeria’s journey through the decades.
“It chronicles a people’s march through a forest of hope, faith, triumphs and trials.
“It details, with clarity, the author’s perspectives on every sector of our national existence.
“The choice of title, Heroes and Sheroes, is deliberate.
“Regardless of the multitude of challenges tugging at the nation, there are still oasis of hope created by outstanding men and women whose sweat ensured that we still have a country geographically so defined.”
Others expected to be honoured at the event include Governors Udom Emmanuel, Nyesom Wike, Nasir El-Rufai, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dave Umahi and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 election in Nigeria, Peter Obi.
Other award recipients include Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Leo Stan Ekeh, Herbert Wigwe, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (retd) and Godwin Emefiele
