Champion Newspaper bestowed the prestigious ‘Most Impactful Politician of the Fourth Republic (1999 to 2023)’ award upon Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.
The accolade was conferred during the Champion Annual Awards ceremony in Lagos on Saturday night.
The media house lauded Mr. Obi’s remarkable contributions to public policy, good governance, international business, contemporary leadership, and human capital development. He was portrayed as a dedicated leader committed to societal betterment.
Nwaduito Iheakanwa, Champion Newspaper’s managing director, underscored the significance of acknowledging individuals who have made positive impacts on Nigeria. She stressed the importance of such recognitions for the country’s advancement. “To enhance and expand Nigeria, we need more individuals and institutions of this caliber, which we aim to honor tonight, as they form an essential part of the best,” she expressed.
Iheakanwa urged Nigerians to focus on good governance rather than political diversions. “My straightforward message is that Nigerians should diligently address good governance issues and disregard political maneuvering. For us, change stems from constructive thinking and effective actions,” she stated.
Buba Marwa, the NDLEA chairman who presided over the event, commended the awardees for their commitment and diligence. He asserted that such awards motivate citizens to excel in their respective fields and demonstrate that hard work is acknowledged and rewarded. “The objective of awards like these is to inspire citizens to excel further in their areas of expertise and vocations, and to let Nigerians and the world know that hard work pays off,” Marwa articulated.
Among the other distinguished awardees were Charles Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, who was bestowed with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who received the ‘2023 Excellence in Service Award’.
The award given to Peter Obi underscores his enduring commitment to enhancing governance and public service in Nigeria. His tenure as the governor of Anambra State is remembered for significant advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. His leadership, characterized by transparency and accountability, has garnered him widespread admiration and respect.
Obi’s acknowledgment as the ‘Most Impactful Politician of the Fourth Republic’ highlights his influence on Nigeria’s political scene over the past two decades. His ongoing contributions continue to motivate many in their pursuit of improved governance and leadership in the nation.