September 24, 2020
Good morning gentlemen of the press, distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
On behalf of the Advisory board of the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), It is my pleasure to welcome you to today’s press conference as we formally announce recipients of the Year 2019 Zik Prize in leadership Awards.
You will agree with me that these are indeed unusual times. The Covid – 19 pandemic has ushered in a new status quo; the reason today’s press conference has taken this format.
We specially want to commend everyone (institutions, individuals and corporate beings) who has played a role in mitigating the transmission and debilitating effects of the disease. It is this same spirit of leadership that the Zik prize celebrates. We are most grateful to all our frontliners who have been resolute in this fight to end the disease despite the challenging work environment. Sadly, we have lost loved ones to this disease. To such families, we offer our heartfelt condolences and pray God Almighty will succor them.
Year 2020, is a landmark year for us as it is the silver jubilee anniversary of The Zik prize in leadership awards. Since its institution in 1995 by the PPRAC in honour of the first President of Nigeria and Commander of the Armed Forces, the late Rt. Honourable Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, it has always recognized and encouraged outstanding leadership on the African Continent and in the Diaspora.
It is indeed not surprising then, that in the course of the last 25 years, some recipients of the prize have included such notable leaders like; President J.J. Rawlings, President Nwalimu Julius Nyerere, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, President Sam Nujoma, Dr. Nelson Mandela, President Yonweri Muzeveni, President John Agyekum Kuffor, Senator David Mark, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Otunba Subomi Balogun, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Alhaji Ahmed Joda
After an exhaustive appraisal of nominees in the various Award categories, the advisory board now announce Year 2019 winners and their categories as follows:
i. Year 2019 Zik Prize in Political Leadership –Dr Ahmed Lawan
ii Year 2019 Zik Prize in Public Service –Mr Boss Mustafa.
iii Year 2019 Zik Prize in Business Leadership –Dr (Mrs.) Stella Okoli. MON, OON
iv. Year 2019 Zik Prize in Professional Leadership –Prof. Umar Danbatta and Mr. Kennedy Uzoka.
v. Year 2019 Zik Prize in Entrepreneurial Leadership –Pastor (Mrs.) Ibukun Awosika
vi. Year 2019 Zik Prize in Good Governance –Sen Ifeanyi Okowa – Delta State
vii. Year 2019 Zik Prize in Good Governance – Engr Oluseyi Makinde – Oyo State
viii. Year 2019 Zik Prize in Good Governance – Borno State Governor –Prof Babagana Zulum
The formal presentation ceremony of The Zik Prize awards, usually a celebratory event is planned to hold on Sunday 6th December, 2020.
Professor Pat Utomi Prince Emeka Obasi
Member, Advisory Board Executive Secretary
