Event: Glitz & Glamour at the 11th Annual Integrity Lecture/Awards of NACJ.
By Onome Naomi
Nigerian Association of Christian Journalist in Lagos held it’s 11th Annual Integrity Lecture Awards on 24th May, 2023 at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel Ikeja.
Guest and awardees trooped in from all walks of life to witness a night of glitz and glamour in recognition of how much they have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the society by keeping to its norms, doing philanthropic services, creation of employment opportunities as employers of labour and so on.
The program commenced activities with an address from the president of the association Dr. Charles Okhai as he welcomes guests who had trooped in from far and near. In acknowledgement, he congratulated the awardees for being chosen to be honoured based on integrity, says they are a symbol of integrity as well as an ambassador of integrity in the society , he mentioned various strong personalties NACJ has awarded based on integrity and credibility. Okhai noted that the award is an annual event created by NACJ to give back to the society by recognizing individuals who had created an impact in their various fields by commendation, hard work and resilience. The president also introduced coordinators of NACJ, commended their contributions so far in actualizing the awards program to a success.
Names of Awardees honoured at the awards night includes: Dr. Mrs Adenike Adeagbo ( Winner, Integrity woman of the year award- Education category), Hon. John Ifechukwulu Nwokoye Ilon ( Winner, “Hero of democracy and man of integrity award of the year, 2023), Otunba Adesina Ademuyiwa( Winner, Integrity business personality of the year award), Dr. Henry Mobolaji Akinduro ( Winner, Integrity personality of the year award, 2023), Otunba Dr Ademola Benson ( Winner, Integrity man of the year award 2023), Barr Leonard Anoka ( Winner , young person of intergrity awards in 2023), Bishop Ochei Innocent ( Winner, Integrity minister of God of the year award, 2023), Hon. Princess Rasheedat Abiodun Adu – Executive Chairman Of Iru- Victoria Island LCDA ( Winner , “Heroine of democracy and Intergrity woman of the year award” 2023), Bishop Akan Lawrence (Winner, Integrity minister of God of the year award, 2023), Bishop Dr. Mrs Rosemary Seigbemere Omere ( Winner, Integrity woman minister of God of the year award, 2023), Prince Eze Okafor Onuora Cornelius ( Winner, Man of integrity of the year – Business Category), Hon.Okey Jeyonuakulusi ( Winner, Man of integrity of the year award, 2023), Chief Abimbola Moyosore Aboderin ( Winner, Champion of democracy of the decade award 2023), Dr. BLDR, Odegade Abdulhakeem- MD/CEO Akmodel Group ( Winner, Integrity business man of the year award, 2023), Apostle Dr. Grace Onuoha ( Intergrity woman minister of God of the year award, 2023).
Naomi Sophy Blog had a media chat with a few of the awardees and this is what they had to say:
” Bishop Akan Lawrence,the lead pastor embassy of change global mission Victoria Island Lagos said the event is quite encouraging based on integrity recognition of individuals who had created an impact in the society as this will spur them to do more. Stated that as a minister who preaches the word of God he believes he has touched lives positively, while involving self in community service to make sure the less priviledged are being catered for, a reason he is being honoured as a man of integrity. He further noted that Nigeria can be changed, corruption can be stopped if integrity is practiced, said Nigerians are calling for accountability, the incoming government should learn to serve the people for leadership is about servitude, they should work with integrity and accountability, commends NACJ for the awards and a job well done, tells them to keep it up.
Hon. John Nwokoye, Member representing Awka North Constituency, a traditional prime minister in Awka, chairman house committee of agriculture Anambra state, the multiple award winning politician expresses appreciation for being honoured by NACJ, said he is used to being applauded for his philanthropic prowess, the new recognition will spur him to do more as a man of intergrity. Recounting some of his breakthrough achievements, he said as a sitting house member for 4 years on, he made a motion towards anti-grazing bill in Awka without fear of favour, conducted a public hearing on a bill at the 7th assembly and a host of other bills. In terms of human capital development, he has done marvellously well in empowering people magnanimously. The awards he says will spur him to work harder.
Dr Abdulhakeem-MD CEO Akmodel Group, expressed gratitude for being recognised as a man of intergrity, a honour well deserved, he says. Mentioned that due to the line of his business in real estate, people think they sabotage on clients properties, tells Naomisophysblog that he merits the awards due to the fact that he works with intergrity. Relayed some examples where his company had displayed credibility by giving property evaluation document which very few estate realtors gives for free of charge while many others collect huge money for this. Said he was given the awards based on these credibilities and many more.
Chief Abimbola Moyosore Aboderin appreciates the concept of integrity awards and being found worthy to be honoured even as a multiple award winner that he is, said as a politician, industrialist and agriculturist he had truly over the years and now displayed integrity in his dealings as a learned man who had studied home and abroad with outstanding certifications. Reveals that he had worked side by side with prominent politicians like MKO Abiola, Pa Adedibu and the rest which had prompted him to write a book titled ” Democracy- Untold Story Of June 12″. Noted that the awards means a lot to him based on his antecedents as a politician, advises the govt of the day to stop corruption and do what is right to build a great nation.”
Dr Charles Okhai, the President and Chief host of Nigeria Association of Christian Journalist NACJ 11th Annual Lecture/ Awards told Naomisophysblog that the essence of the 11th year award lecture is to sensitize the leaders with the virtues and spirit of integrity as well as promote intergrity in the society. He stated that every year it is a mandate for NACJ to search for those leaders who one way or the other has demonstrated the spirit of intergrity to encourage and celebrate them with the honours.
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He also said looking for a perfect person is impossible, but the criteria of choice for an awardee to be honoured is based on research of antecedents recorded by the recipients who had practiced zero tolerance for corruption and qualified for nomination. Speaking about the challenges of getting financial support to pull through with the vision of awarding the great, Okhai said religious sentiment is imminent as NACJ is a Christian bound association. It takes massive resources to give quality services such as is seen in the event, advises the awardees to remain with the ideal for which the awards is given.
