By Jane Okeke
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina; Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mallam Rabiu A. Umar; and Chief Executive Officer of MasterMind Investment Group, Premium Bello, are among prominent Nigerians nominated for honours at the 16th Peace Achievers International Awards 2026.
The ceremony is scheduled for November 7 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, with the honourees drawn from education, energy, business, media, public service and community development.
Aina is expected to receive the Distinguished Educational Technology, Digital Transformation and Institutional Leadership Award, while Umar will be honoured for Distinguished Petroleum Regulatory Leadership and Energy Sector Development.
Also on the list is High Chief (Dr.) Mike Ebi Ayapaye, Director-General of the Creek to Creek Movement and a leading figure at Mia Lush Energy Services Limited, who will receive an award for leadership in peacebuilding, youth empowerment and Niger Delta community development.
Other nominees include Zimbabwean business leaders Amb. Prof. Smelly Dube and Engr. Dr. Mncedisi Dube of Rivervalley Group; Amb. Dr. Nimi Briggs of NIMPAT Group; News Central TV Managing Director, Kayode Akintemi; and Dr. Auwal Abdullahi of Backbone Connectivity Network Limited.
The list also features traditional ruler HRH Amb. Suleiman A. Ako, Founder of AUG Foundation Abdulhafiz Umar Barau, Jagaban Zamfara and KLM Foundation founder Alhaji Kabiru Lawal Muhammad, as well as representatives of the property, healthcare, media, technology and philanthropic sectors.
Speaking ahead of the event, the convener, Amb. Dr. Kingsley Amafibe, said the awards would recognise individuals whose achievements extend beyond personal success to support community welfare and national development, particularly as the country approaches the next general elections.
Amafibe explained that the platform seeks to celebrate contributions to peacebuilding, humanitarian service, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, entertainment and responsible leadership, stressing that achievement should be measured by the positive difference people make in society.
He added that the awards would promote national unity, dialogue and inclusive development, while inspiring young Nigerians to embrace integrity, innovation and service in their respective fields.
