The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emerged winner of the Independent Awards 2024 for Best Woman of the Year, dedicating the award to Nigerian women and youths.

She praised their tireless contributions towards the nation’s growth and development at the Independent Awards 2024 Gala Night held on Saturday in Lagos.

Mrs Tinubu, a former Lagos Central senator, was represented by wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fatima Tajudeen. 

She said the award was dedicated to every Nigerian woman and youth contributing to the country’s progress, describing them as Nigeria’s unsung heroes.

The Independent Newspaper Awards recognise landmark achievements in politics, entertainment, business, education, and other sectors.

 Mrs Tinubu thanked the board of Independent newspaper for the honour. “I receive this prestigious award with deep appreciation,” she said during her acceptance speech.

“This award will inspire me further to contribute my quota to national development,” she added, expressing her gratitude to the event organisers.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party leader in the South-West, Bode George, urged President Bola Tinubu to resolve the ongoing crisis in Rivers State before it escalates.

 Mr George, the event’s chairman, said the state was vital to Nigeria’s economy and should not be allowed to descend into chaos or unrest.

He warned that allowing the crisis to worsen could lead to national instability, referencing past civil unrest from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt.

Mr George praised the Independent newspaper for celebrating Nigeria’s achievers.

“Everyone is leaving here with a smile, which we want the government to bring to Nigerians.. Who is truly happy now in Nigeria?” he asked.

He noted that the mid-term mark approaches in May 2025 and calling for visible changes by 2027.

“My party is preparing to take over in 2027. The question for voters is: Are you better off now than before?” Mr George said.

Thirty-six individuals, organisations, government CEOs, and managing directors were honoured for their contributions to Nigeria’s development.

The awardees include Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde as Independent Man of the Year, and Bisi Akande, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award 2024. Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo was awarded Governor of the Year 2024 (Urban Renewal), while Cross River State Governor,  Bassey Otu,  won for Economic Transformation.

 Also, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, received the Governor of the Year 2024 (Solid Minerals Development), alongside Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, among others.

In entertainment, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, known as Kiekie, was awarded Social Media Influencer of the Year for her impact in the industry.

In business, Chairman of Globacom, Mike Adenuga, was recognised. Others awarded include DG of SMEDAN, Charles Idi, and Prof. Abayomi Fasina of FUOYE. 

(NAN)