Zulum, Ogah, others confirm participation in NewsDirect Awards
Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State, and Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, President of Master Energy Group, have confirmed their participation in the 14th anniversary lecture and NewsDirect Good Governance Awards.
The prestigious event will take place on December 6, 2024, at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos.
This year’s theme, “Achieving Economic Prosperity: The Role of Human Capacity Development, Fiscal Prudence, and Revenue Generation,” will spotlight key issues in governance and economic development.
Also, Minister of Power, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen Buba Marwa among others have confirmed their participation too.
Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru is also slated to be present at the 14th Anniversary Lecture and Awards Ceremony being the Chairman of this year’s edition.
Governor Zulum is set to receive the “Governor of the Year” award, recognising his exceptional leadership in Borno State, while Dr. Ogah will be honored as the “Industrialist of the Year” for his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
Both leaders will join other distinguished guests for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in governance, industry, and philanthropy.
Babagana Umara Zulum is a notable figure in Nigerian politics, particularly in Borno State, where he currently serves as the governor. His rise to political prominence is even more remarkable considering his academic background and career before entering politics.Born on August 25, 1969, in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, Zulum has a distinguished academic record.
He earned a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Maiduguri, followed by a Master’s degree in the same field from the University of Ibadan. He then completed his Ph.D. in Soil and Water Engineering at the University of Maiduguri in 2009.
Zulum’s career in academia was equally impressive. He started as an assistant lecturer at the University of Maiduguri in 2000 and gradually rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a professor. He also held leadership roles, serving as the Deputy Dean and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
Zulum’s political journey began in 2015 when he was appointed Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement under Governor Kashim Shettima.
In this capacity, he played a crucial role in rebuilding infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and schools, which had been destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents.
In 2018, Zulum emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Borno State in the gubernatorial primaries. He won the election in 2019, and as governor, his priorities have included tackling security challenges, improving infrastructure, reforming education, enhancing healthcare, promoting agriculture, and creating jobs.
Despite facing multiple assassination attempts by Boko Haram militants, Zulum has remained steadfast in his commitment to restoring peace and stability to Borno State.
His leadership and determination have earned him widespread praise, and his story continues to inspire many.
In sum, Babagana Zulum’s journey from academia to governance reflects his unwavering dedication to his people and his relentless drive to improve the future of Borno State.
Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah: Nigerian Politician, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah is a prominent Nigerian politician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, born on December 22, 1969, in Abia State, Nigeria. He is the President of Master Energy Group, a diversified conglomerate with over 15 subsidiaries spanning industries such as oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing.
With a career spanning more than two decades, Ogah has held significant roles in the banking sector, including serving as an Assistant General Manager at Zenith Bank.
His political journey includes serving as the former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development.
Throughout his career, Ogah has received numerous accolades for his contributions to business and society. He was honored with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) titles, and in 2023, he was named Sun Industrialist of the Year.
Beyond his business and political achievements, Ogah is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has initiated various charitable projects, such as building prototype homes for the Uturu community and constructing a 5,000-capacity auditorium at Abia State University.
Dr. Ogah is married to Ngozi Sabina Ogah, a financial analyst, and together they have children.
His blend of entrepreneurial success, political involvement, and charitable work makes him a respected figure in Nigeria.
Recall that Nigerian NewsDirect past Anniversary Lectures and Award Ceremonies have always witnessed the presence of top personalities and seasoned stakeholders among which are top political functionaries including Governors, Heads of Ministries Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and other decision makers in the public sector. Top drivers and achievers in the organised private sector also feature significantly in the ceremony.
Past recipients honoured with NewsDirect Awards include: the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (2021); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (2020, 2021); Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola (2021); Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom (2021); Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello (2021); Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun (2021); Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki (2019); Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Fashola (2018); Former Governor of Adamawa State, Bindow Jubrilla (2016); Former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema (2015); Former Governor, State of Osun and Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2014); Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio (2012); Former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu (2013); Late Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru (2017), among many others.
