The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and the President of the African Export-Import Bank, Professor Benedict Oramah, have emerged winners of the 2022 Zik Leadership Prize for Good Governance and Professional Leadership.
Other winners include the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, who got the prize for Political Leadership, the former first lady of Kebbi State, Aisha Atiku Bagudu, who was awarded the prize for Humanitarian Leadership and the Group Chairman, SIFAX Group, Taiwo Afolabi, was awarded the prize for Entrepreneurial Leadership.
The awards were presented at the 27th edition of The Zik Prize organised by the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre, held in Lagos on Sunday night.
On receiving his award, Obaseki pledged to work harder as he wraps up his time in office.
He said, “It is a great honour to receive this prize for good governance. This award comes to me at a very interesting time in my political career, as I wind down after seven years in office. I have been introspecting and asking, ‘Has it been worthwhile? Is it being appreciated? Did you make a mistake?’ and coming here tonight to be awarded this prize for good governance makes one feel that it is worth it.
“This prize becomes very significant because you are being told that you are a recognized leader in a state, a system that some have described as failing. It brings us recipients, enormous responsibilities. I want to make a pledge. The reward for hard work is more work and the reward for responsibility is more responsibilities.”
The Afreximbank boss in his comments said, “I cherish this award because I value the principles, philosophy and values of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe after whom it’s named. Dr Azikiwe lived an extraordinarily exemplary life. He and his colleagues fought tirelessly, with courage, intellect, and determination for the independence and political emancipation of our continent. What they did was just the beginning of the journey, the true emancipation will occur when we attain economic independence. As a leader of one the continent’s institutions, created to help deliver development, I’m mindful of the role that we play and that is why I value the prize.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Advisory Board, PPRAC, Jubril Aminu, called for a rejig of the Nigerian leadership system.
Aminu, who was represented by Mark Wabara, said,”It is our considered opinion that we must continue to sustain our connection in Nigeria’s nationhood and potential for greatness by repositioning her for sustainable, rapid social, political and economic development.”
On his part, the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, called for more to be done to entrench the legacy of Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe.
The PPRAC established in Lagos in 1994 set up the Zik Prize in Leadership to encourage and nurture leadership, service and good governance.
