The Arewa Media Publications and Event Company declared that the two awards: “Most Outstanding Promoter of Unity, Patriotism & National Development Award of the Decade” and “Outstanding Personalty Iconic Award for Exuding Excellence in Leadership Qualities, Professionalism & Commitment to Duty of the Decade” – were purely given on merit.
The Publisher & Editor in Chief, Prince Joshua Olatunbosun Adeleke, who led the delegation to formally present the awards to the former President in Abeokuta, described Obasanjo as one of the greatest figures of the second generation of post- colonial African leaders.
“Without doubt you are one of the greatest figures of the second generation of post-colonial African leaders and, as a matter of fact, your Pan- African efforts to encourage peace and development across the continent cannot be over- emphasised. You remain true and committed to one Nigeria and belief strongly that Nigeria should be retained as a single nation-state, rather than being broken up along ethnic lines.
“Your Excellency, in 2001, you said that your long term goal was “the nullification of all forms of identification except Nigeria citizenship. Till date, you are still unshaken in this resolve. This is not so with others”, Adeleke told Obasanjo.
The Publisher added, “there is no gainsaying the fact that your administration must also be credited for implementing a range of important reforms; like the introduction of EFCC in 2000 which breathed new life into the anti-corruption agenda.”
In addition, Adeleke remarked that Obasanjo’s vision and commitment to the growth of Nigeria and Africa, “which translated in a historical growth rate of six per cent for the Nigerian economy after a long period of slow growth and created a rippling effect that motivated other African economies cannot be over- emphasised and also your regular shuttles across Nigeria and Africa to counsel on economic, social and political issues and your willingness to head election monitoring teams that have heralded smooth transitions in many countries are legacies which generations will remain ever grateful for.”
The former President thanked the organization for the awards and tasked them to remain focused in educating and informing their target audience.
Adeleke, who was accompanied by the Publication’s Editor, Mr. Bernard Ochani; Mr Moses Mohammad and others, formally presented the awards and some of the company’s books among which are “Character and Leadership:The Nasir Example”; “Mamman Nasir: A Distinguished African Jurist & Leader For Tomorrow Reference”, to Obasanjo.
