Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Saturday, won the Best Politician of the Year 2023 award at the Global Affairs Magazine Award (GAMA).

Veteran actor, Kanayo O Kanayo, reggae musician, Orits Wiliki, and Yinka Davies, a vocalist, were also recognised for their outstanding contributions to the growth of entertainment in Nigeria.

Arise News’ Rufai Oseni was given an award of excellence as the ‘Most Courageous Television Host’ of the year.

Popular comedian, Koffi Nuel, got an award of excellence for service to humanity.

Also, Daniel Olukoya, founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM), bagged a lifetime achievement award for service to humanity.

The theme for the award celebration is “A Channel of Hope Where There is Despair”.

Regina Robinson, convener of GAMA, during the award presentation, said the award was to celebrate and reward distinguished men and women who are selfless and have impacted others positively.

“The award celebrates individuals and bodies who have over the years supported life-changing causes, especially in the areas of health and, most prominently, the less privileged, physically challenged and children with special needs as well as the teeming youth population.

“GAMA remains a platform for showcasing the brighter side of a perceived unattractive world.

“The occasion also provides us the opportunity to showcase the potential of our magazine and what we stand for.”

Also, Bala Abraham, chairman, Global Affairs Magazine (GAM), who coordinated the launch of GAM Foundation, pledged to attend to the needs of the needy in society.

Other recipients of the awards are Dr Akintoye Akindele and Dr Segun Musa, both entrepreneurs, as well as Dr Bala Abraham, Chairman of Global Affairs Magazine, who bagged a Lifetime Achievement Award for service to humanity.

Pastor Wale Adefarasin, senior pastor of Guiding Light Assembly Church, Ebuwa Iguehon and Dr John Ejezie also won an award of excellence for service to humanity.

Rev. Ngozi Okorie of Full Life Christian Assembly; Eze Chika Nwokedi, Igwe of Ijegun/Ijeododo communities in Lagos and Olawale Shittu, a business manager, bagged awards of excellence for service to humanity

Dr Osita Offor, former World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, won the GAMA Award of excellence for his outstanding service to the nation.

Responding, Nuel expressed his appreciation to the organisers of the awards as he also appreciated his wife for her continuous support.

“This is for God, my family and everyone in my team, also to my clients who keep paying for my services in the face of hopelessness,” he said.

Reggae artiste, Wiliki, said, “I like to appreciate the organisers of the award because it is not in our tradition to appreciate people when they are alive but this is coming while we are still alive.

“I dedicate this to the last born in my family, Mrs Becky, we have weathered the storm together over the years.”

Nigerian flutist, Omotshola Itseli, popularly known as “Tee Mac”, entertained the audience with his scintillating performance alongside Yinka Davies.

(NAN)