Women affairs minister, NCAA DG, others receive Most Influential Awards
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, have received the Nigeria Most Influential Awards(NMIA) for their contributions to national development.
Newsmen report that they received the awards at the 10th anniversary of the annual NMIA and the VGlamour Magazine held on Saturday night in Abuja.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim bagged the Minister of the Year Distinguished Service Icon Award, while Najomo was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award.
Other Nigerians honoured at the 2026 NMIA included Sen. Neda Imaseun, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Dr Daniel Newman, Alh. Sadiq Kashim, Adaora Sidney-Jack, among others.
Other recipients of the awards, drawn from the public and private sectors, included an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Aishatu Baju, and the late media mogul Raymond Dokpesi was honoured with a posthumous award.
In her remarks, the minister expressed gratitude for the recognition and lauded the organisers of the annual NMIA.
She said her achievements so far in the ministry of women affairs was as result of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to giving governance a human face, particularly through attention to women, children and vulnerable families.
According to her, more women are now progressing through education, adding that government was planning for them as they embarked on their careers.
She said the President’s legacy would include efforts to strengthen women’s economic, social and political empowerment.
“Mr President is doing a lot with the renewal of social impact intervention and we are very grateful for the results we are getting,” she said.
The minister also commended development partners, other ministries and stakeholders for their contributions to social development.
Earlier in her welcome address, Vivian Lam, Convener of NMIA and Chief Executive Officer of VGlamour Magazine, described the 10th anniversary as a celebration of purpose, resilience, excellence and impact.
“Today is just more than an award. It’s a celebration of purpose, resilience, excellence, impact, and a dream that refuses to die,” she said.
While congratulating the recipients, Lam said the annual NMIA was established to identify, recognise and celebrate men and women whose work had positively impacted Nigeria and beyond.
“True influence is not measured by title, wealth, or popularity. It is measured by lives transformed, opportunities created, communities uplifted, and legacy we leave behind,” she said.
According to her, the journey over the past decade has not been easy, citing limited resources, failed sponsorships and difficult decisions, among other challenges, but added that the setbacks had strengthened the organisation’s resolve.
Lam said VGlamour Magazine was created to tell stories of courage, leadership, excellence and resilience, while highlighting Nigerians making contributions to society.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the 10th edition of VGlamour Magazine, marking a decade of the publication’s contribution to highlighting stories of Nigerians making an impact in nation building.
The event also featured drama, comedy and musical performances.