Peter Obi and Charles Soludo Among 43 Honored; Obi Named Most Impactful Politician of Fourth Republic (1999-2023)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 43 Nigerians and institutions were honoured for their efforts, dedication, tenacity of purpose, and sacrifices in advancing Nigeria. On Saturday, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Peter Obi, received the 2023 Champion Newspapers’ Most Impactful Politician of the Fourth Republic (1999 to 2023). Champion Newspapers Ltd. presented the award to Obi during the Champion Annual Awards held in Lagos.

Champion Newspapers Ltd. praised Obi as a distinguished leader, widely recognised for his contributions to public policy, good governance, international business, 21st-century leadership, and human capital development.

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo was also honoured with the 2023 Governor of the Year on Infrastructure and Rural Development award. The organisation highlighted Soludo as a distinguished achiever whose dedication and excellence have transformed the landscape of Anambra. Soludo’s tenure has been marked by a focus on infrastructure and rural development, driving transformative projects that have revitalised communities, improved livelihoods, and set new standards for governance and public service.

Other awardees included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who was honoured with the 2023 Excellence in Service Award.

In her speech, Dr Nwaduito Iheakanwa, Managing Director of Champion Newspapers Ltd., emphasised the importance of recognising those who contribute to the betterment of Nigeria. She called for Nigerians to focus on good governance and set aside politics and political manoeuvring.

For Nigeria to get better and bigger, we need more of this calibre of people and institutions that we honour this evening because they constitute an integral part of the best, she said. Change comes from constructive thoughts and sound actions.

Retired Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Chairman of the occasion, stated that all awardees deserved their recognition. Marwa noted that awards like these encourage citizens to excel in their respective fields and demonstrate that hard work is rewarded.

He also addressed the issue of illicit drugs in the country, noting its destructive impact on youths, families, and communities. Marwa emphasised the role of parents in setting the proper examples and adequately raising their children to combat the drug scourge. “We need to recover Nigeria from the drug scourge; we must say no to drugs,” Marwa stated.

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