Anyim, Sanwo-Olu, and Others to Receive Zik Prize

Former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will receive the Year 2020 Zik Prize in Leadership on November 7, 2021 in Lagos.

Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), are also recipients of the Prize.

Prof Pat Utomi, Chairman of the selection committee on behalf of the members of the board of Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre, announced the winners of the Year 2020 Zik Prize in Leadership Award on Thursday, September 23, 2021 in Lagos (PRAC).

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Senator Anyim, who has declared his intention to run for president in the 2023 presidential election, whether the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zones the position to the South East or not, won the Zik Prize in Political Leadership category alongside Minister of Health, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, at the party’s recently concluded national convention in Abuja.

Addressing reporters at the weekend, the PDP Chieftain declared his interest, saying, “Posters of my presidential bid and agitations by groups for me to contest flooded the social media in 2020, and I disassociated myself from such calls.”

“I felt that such declarations were too early to allow the current administration to focus on governance.”

“Such calls resurfaced in early 2021, and I chose to remain silent on the matter.”

“With less than 18 months until the next elections, I felt the time was right to express my interest.”

The Ebonyi-born politician and Nigerian leader is being honored for his exemplary leadership qualities demonstrated while serving as Senate President and SGF.

Governors Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State will receive the Year 2020 Zik Prize in Good Governance, while Adesina, Kyari, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, will be recognized for their contributions to public service.

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Others honored include Mr. U.K. Eke, Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings Plc, and Pioneer MD/CEO, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Uche Orji, in the Professional Excellence category, and Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, in the Humanitarian Leadership category.

The event will be chaired by Chief John Nnia Nwodo, and the Royal Guest of Honour will be Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Emir of Kano.