GOVERNOR DIRI WINS VANGUARD NEWSPAPERS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Governor Douye Diri, was awarded the coveted Vanguard Newspapers Personality of the Year Awards held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island in Lagos on Friday night.

He was honoured with the Good Governance Award at the 13th edition of the event in recognition of his administration’s outstanding achievements in the last five years.

Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving the award, Governor Diri dedicated it to people of Bayelsa State for their unrelenting support to his administration’s success story.

He said the special recognition was not only about him but also about the supportive role by Bayelsans and residents alike that enabled his administration deliver impactful leadership.

He particularly expressed appreciation to the youths, women and other stakeholders for their peaceful conduct and encouragement that had engendered peace, security and sustainable development.

The Bayelsa governor was honoured in the same category alongside his counterparts like Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Jigawa, Governor Umar Namadi, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.

Mr. Atedo Peterside, Chairman of the event, lauded Dr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, the Chairman/Publisher of Vanguard Media Limited, for organizing the prestigious annual awards and for his resilience at keeping the newspaper afloat for 40 years despite economic challenges.

He congratulated awardees that had excelled in various fields, noting that when people are recognized for hard work and excellence, it was worth it.

Chief Amuka-Pemu, the chief host and Vanguard publisher, also congratulated the awardees and expressed appreciation to all who graced the event.

In his welcome address, Mr. Eze Anaba, the Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, said the Personality of the Year Award was a celebration of outstanding achievements and recognition of remarkable individuals that had made significant contributions in their individual fields.

Mr. Anaba noted that the recipients had set exemplary standards that serve as inspiration for others to strive for greatness in their different pursuits.

Late elder statesmen, Pa Edwin Clark and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, were honoured post-humously with the Legacy of Patriotism and Selflessness Award as well as for Lifetime of Service to the Nation.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the host and Governor of Lagoa State, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, were among personalities that attended the event.