By Haruna A Yusuf
Some eminent Nigerians who have contributed their quota to the common good of humanity and society were on Wednesday, November 16 recognized at the Ebony Herald Hall of Fame and Dignity Awards 202.
The award which was organized by the management of Ebony Herald Communication Limited narrowed this year’s award in view of the 2023 general election with the theme: 2023: Of Politicking, Religion, Ethnicity, and Insecurity, What Is The Way Forward.
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The award kicked off with a book presentation titled, ‘The Dream Of Our Founding Fathers’, written by Lai Gidado, Publisher of Ebony Herald International Magazine.
Delivering his speech, Chairman of the Editorial Board of the magazine, Mallam Mohammed Kabir Ilyasu, highlighted the challenges of divisions along primordial lines that are often dictated by ethnicity and religion.
He said that public policies cannot be framed on primordial considerations therefore, hardly any ethnic groups raises pan-Nigeria conversations today.
“It is against this background that we must appreciate the efforts and innovation of the organizers of this program to set the agenda for the conversation of a new Nigeria that is inclusive, democratic, and fair for all. Because the country has since become organically integrated into more than an economic sense; our individual and collective freedom and security is intricately bound together.
“Therefore, the idea that small sections or ethnic enclaves can exist in isolation, and prosper through dependence on few commodities, whether of manufactured goods or minerals, is misguided.”
The Chairman concluded that no economic development or progress can take place in the absence of peace, order, and mutual respect of all citizens whether they belong to the majority or minority tribe.
The event culminated to the recognition and honouring of great achievers identified in the Nigeria society.
One of the awardees Dr Reuben Okpanachi Atabo, (SAN) said, he feels fulfilled for been recognized as one who contributed to human development. He admonished politicians to stop using religion to cause division amongst Nigerians “because religion is a personal belief in God therefore, it shouldn’t be encouraged.”
Also, another awardee, Major-General Abdulmalik Halidu-Giwa, expresses delight and appreciated the efforts of the organizers who put together the event to honor him and some notable Nigerians across all professionals.
The ceremony attracted men and women from all works of life. In attendance was Dr Hassan Gimba, Publisher of Neptune Prime newspaper, others include, Hajiya Kingibe Ireti Heebah, wife of Ambassador Babagana kingibe, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mrs. Qoodrat Adebola Omotayo, a broadcast journalist.
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