By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has emerged as one of the recipients of the “1st President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Leadership Awards,” organized by Global Initiative For Leadership Success. This is coming just few days after the 2024 Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards Night and Dinner, organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), bestowed on him that of “Advocate of the Masses and Human Rights” award.
The event took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Monday.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Global Initiative for Leadership Success, Gen. AB Mamman (rtd), said the leadership qualities in governance of the Late President Musa Yar’Adua were sterling, mercurial and legendary, whereby his administration grew the economy, stabilized the polity and held the Nation together, while rekindling the hope of Nigerians in their country.
Gen. Mamman pointed out that, “this were some of the shared qualities that prompted them to confer on Governor Alia and other selected individuals with the Leadership award”.
According to him, “issues of leadership, particularly with regards to moral and ethical leadership and governance and it’s consequences on humanity, has remained the bane of leadership all over the world, which were issues that would be discussed in the conference”.
Responding, Gov. Alia thanked the organizers for the award and the recognition given him.
He said even though leadership is complex, the virtues of honesty and integrity of Late President Musa Yar’Adua, and the role he played in shaping and defining good governance in the country remains indelible.
The Governor pointed out that, “aside my calling as a Priest, I am also a Bio-medical ethicist, which places premium on leadership and ethics. It has always helped me to work with that inner voice which always calls for the right thing to be done at all times”.
He called for good governance and urged for a shift of perception and position, explaining that one’s perception affects his position to make a paradigm shift, saying an optimistic perception will give rise to a great and positive move for the progress and development of the state and nation at large.
” I ma hopeful that as late president Musa Yar’Adua is being celebrated today, there is a promise of a greater future ahead because Nigeria holds every great dream and assurance for all those who seek for a good foundation for the nation”, Gov. Alia said.
He described the award as an incentive for him to do more in good governance, transparency and accountability for the state and nation, thanking the good people of Benue State for giving him the opportunity to serve them.
Other recipient at the ceremony included Gen Yakubu Gowon, former Military Head of State, Chief Joseph Akaagerger, former military Governor of Katsina State, Sen.Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, amongst other prominent personalities.
