2024 National Awards: Atiku, Makarfi, others to be honoured as VAN aims at revitalising PDP giants

2024 National Awards: Atiku, Makarfi, others to be honoured as VAN aims at revitalising PDP giants

Joel Oladele, Abuja

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2023 general elections, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, Former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi and many other PDP bigwigs are set to be honoured by the Victory Advocates of Nigeria (VAN), at the 2024 National Awards.

In a statement signed by the National President of VAN, Prince Seyi Ajibola and was made available to NATIONAL PERISCOPE on Wednesday, he noted that the event is aimed at rejuvenating the diminished enthusiasm among the PDP supporters and inspire decisive action.

Prince Ajibola added that the award, which will be taking place on the 10th May, 2024 at Bolingo Hotel, Abuja, is a way of honouring individuals who have distinguished themselves through exceptional commitment, leadership, and dedication to the party.

According to him, the awards are in different categories, such as; Lifetime Achievement Award, Community Champion Award, Youth Empowerment Award, Outstanding Women in Politics Award, Media Excellence Award among others.

Worthy of note is that about 40 party stalwarts across the country will be honoured for their years of selfless service to PDP.
Amongst such with their award titles are:
1. HIS EXCELLENCY, ALH. ATIKU ABUBAKAR, GCON FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA (1999-2007), 2023 PDP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE.

AWARD TITLE: PHILANTHROPIC LEADERSHIP AWARD

2. HIS EXCELLENCY, SEN. AHMED MOHAMMED MAKARFI, FORMER GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

3. HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR CALEB MUTFWANG,
THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE.

4. HER EXCELLENCY, AMINA TITILAYO ATIKU-ABUBAKAR, THE WIFE OF FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA, FOUNDER SHE CAMPAIGN GROUP.

5. PRINCE MUHAMMED KADADE SULEIMAN, MON,
NATIONAL YOUTH LEADER, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH EMPOWERMENT & LEADERSHIP AWARD.

6. PROF. GOLD C.W. EMMANUEL,
(PhD; CPsychol; CSci. FBPSS), SSA Communications & Intelligence To H.E. Alh. Atiku Abubakar GCON.

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

7. HON. AMINA DARASIMI BRYHM,
NATIONAL WOMAN LEADER, PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP).

AWARD TITLE: OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN POLITICS AWARD

8. OTUNBA DR SEGUN SHOWUNMI,
2023 OGUN STATE PDP GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANT.

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

9. HIS EXCELLENCY, SEN. AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL CFR, FORMER GOVERNOR OF SOKOTO STATE

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

10. BLDR (PROF) KOLAPO OLUSOLA-ELEKA,
FORMER DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE.

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

The statement partly read:
“VAN, a prominent PDP national support group, is eager to revive the strength of our party faithful by collaborating with youth organisations to ensure triumph in the upcoming elections.
“The mission is a call to action, and the vision is to instill core values among our leaders.
As part of the “Revitalizing PDP Giants” event, we will be conferring awards upon individuals who have displayed exceptional commitment, leadership, and dedication to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its principles. These awards recognise and celebrate the contributions of outstanding members and supporters who have exceeded expectations in advancing the goals and values of our party.”

He listed the categories of the awards as:

“1. Lifetime Achievement Award
This prestigious award will be presented to a veteran member of the PDP who has dedicated their life to the party’s cause and has made significant contributions to its growth and success over the years. The recipient of this award will embody the spirit of steadfast commitment and unwavering loyalty to the PDP.

“2. Community Champion Award
This award will be given to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service within their local community, working tirelessly to promote the principles of inclusivity, social justice, and economic prosperity championed by the PDP. The recipient of this award will serve as a role model for grassroots activism and community engagement.

“3. Youth Empowerment Award
Recognizing the importance of youth participation in shaping the future of our party and our nation, this award will be presented to a young leader who has shown exceptional dedication to advancing the interests of Nigerian youth within the PDP. The recipient of this award will have demonstrated innovative thinking, activism, and a commitment to empowering young people to become agents of positive change.

“4. Outstanding Women in Politics Award
In recognition of the invaluable contributions of women to the PDP and the political landscape of Nigeria, this award will honor a female leader who has broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for greater gender equality and representation within the party. The recipient of this award will be a trailblazer whose leadership and advocacy have inspired others and elevated the voices of women in politics.

“5. Media Excellence Award
This award will be presented to a journalist or media personality who has consistently provided fair, balanced, and insightful coverage of PDP activities and issues, contributing to a more informed public discourse and strengthening democracy in Nigeria. The recipient of this award will have demonstrated a commitment to journalistic integrity and professionalism in their reporting on political matters.

“6. Political Strategist Award;
Presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking and planning skills, contributing to the success of the PDP’s political campaigns and initiatives.

“7. Party Unity Ambassador Award; This award honors an individual who has played a pivotal role in fostering unity, cooperation, and harmony within the PDP, bridging divides and bringing members together for the collective good of the party.

“8. Election Integrity Guardian Award*; This award honors an individual who has been a stalwart defender of electoral integrity and transparency, advocating for free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria, thus upholding the principles of democracy cherished by the PDP.

“9. Youth Mentorship and Development Award: Recognizing exemplary mentorship and support for young members of the PDP, this award celebrates an individual who has dedicated time and resources to nurturing the next generation of party leaders.

“10. Philanthropic Leadership Award: This award honors an individual who has exhibited outstanding philanthropy and generosity, making significant contributions to social causes and initiatives that align with the values of the PDP.

“11. Community Development Luminary Award; Recognizing leadership in community development and empowerment initiatives, this award celebrates an individual who has spearheaded impactful projects that have improved the lives of people in their community, reflecting the values of the PDP.

“These awards spotlight and honor individuals embodying the principles and values of the People’s Democratic Party, showcasing their dedication, leadership, and contributions to the party and the nation’s advancement. Join us in recognizing and celebrating these deserving recipients at the “Revitalising PDP Giants” event.” The statement read in part.

The full list of the awardees and the titles is as follows:

1. OTUNBA DR SEGUN SHOWUNMI,
2023 OGUN STATE PDP GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANT.

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

2. HON. CHRIS HASSAN,
PDP STATE CHAIRMAN, PLATEAU STATE.

AWARD TITLE: BEST PDP CHAIRMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

3. SENATOR AJAGUNLA OLUBIYI FADEYI,
Senator Representing Osun Central Senatorial district

AWARD TITLE: THE BEST PDP SENATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

4. HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR CALEB MUTFWANG,
THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE.

AWARD TITLE: THE MOST OUTSTANDING PDP GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

5. PROF. GOLD C.W. EMMANUEL,
(PhD; CPsychol; CSci. FBPSS), SSA Communications & Intelligence To H.E. Alh. Atiku Abubakar GCON.

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

6. BLDR (PROF) KOLAPO OLUSOLA-ELEKA,
FORMER DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE.

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

7. DR. PEDRO OBASEKI,
FOUNDER/CEO ACC BROADCAST MULTIMEDIA. (Former Director of Research, Strategy To Alh. Atiku Abubakar)

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

8. MR OBINNA EJIANYA,
9News Nigeria Publisher & CEO,(Nine Communications Nig. Ltd.)

AWARD TITLE: MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD

9. HON. OKE OJO MICHAEL,
Board of Trustees Member, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

AWARD TITLE: POLITICAL STRATEGIST AWARD

10. HON. RAHILA BOSE,
2025 PDP National Woman Leader Aspirant.

AWARD TITLE: PARTY & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LUMINARY AWARD

11. His Excellency, SENATOR BUKOLA SARAKI,
Former Senate President (Nigeria).

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

12. HON. BARR DEBO OLOGUNAGBA,
National Publicity Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

AWARD TITLE: MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD

13. DR BARAKA SANI, 2023 PDP PCMC DIRECTOR OF SUPPORT GROUPS.

AWARD TITLE: OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN POLITICS AWARD

14. HIS EXCELLENCY, ENGR SEYI MAKINDE, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF OYO STATE

AWARD TITLE: THE BEST PERFORMING PDP GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

15. PRINCE MUHAMMED KADADE SULEIMAN, MON,
NATIONAL YOUTH LEADER, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH EMPOWERMENT & LEADERSHIP AWARD

16. HON. UMAR BATURE,
National Organizing Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

AWARD TITLE: POLITICAL STRATEGIST AWARD

17. AMB. TAOFEEK OLADEJO ARAPAJA,
DEPUTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN SOUTH, PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP).

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

18. BARR. SILAS S. TAFIWARWAR,
(NORTH-EAST OUTSTANDING YOUTH NOMINEE)

AWARD TITLE:
OUTSTANDING & EXCELLENT YOUTH AWARD

19. PRINCE FUNSO AYENI,
2023 EKITI NORTH PDP SENATORIAL CANDIDATE.

AWARD TITLE: PARTY UNITY AMBASSADOR AWARD

20. HON. YUSUF SAKA ELETU,

AWARD TITLE: PARTY & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LUMINARY AWARD

21. SEN. ABDUL NINGI,
Senator Representing Bauchi Central, Former Deputy Majority Leader of Nigeria Senate.

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

22. SENATOR BIODUN OLUJIMI,
2023 EKITI NORTH PDP SENATORIAL CANDIDATE,

AWARD TITLE: OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN POLITICS AWARD

23. HON. YEMISI AFOLABI,
Former Ekiti State PDP Woman Leader, Ekiti State SHE CAMPAIGN Coordinator.

AWARD TITLE: PARTY UNITY AMBASSADOR AWARD

24. HON. AMINA DARASIMI BRYHM,
NATIONAL WOMAN LEADER, PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP).

AWARD TITLE: OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN POLITICS AWARD

25. HON. ENANTOMHEN ANDREW,
Chief of Staff (PDP National Youth Leader)

AWARD TITLE: OUTSTANDING & EXCELLENT YOUTH AWARD

26. HON. TONYE BARCANISTA,
(SOUTH-SOUTH outstanding youth nominee)

AWARD TITLE: OUTSTANDING & EXCELLENT YOUTH AWARD

27. DR EMMANUEL GREENSTONE,
(NORTH-CENTRAL Outstanding Youth Nominee)

AWARD TITLE: OUTSTANDING & EXCELLENT YOUTH AWARD

28. COMRADE OYEJIDE SUNKANMI (SUCO),
OGUN STATE PDP YOUTH LEADER. (SOUTH-WEST Outstanding Youth Nominee)

AWARD TITLE: OUTSTANDING & EXCELLENT YOUTH AWARD

29. MS. OLUCHI NWOSU,
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DIELA ORCHID MEDIA, (CONVENER SNAP & SEND – Election Observer Organization)

AWARD TITLE: ELECTION INTEGRITY GUARDIAN AWARD

30. HON. ISAH ASHIRU KHALID KUDAN

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

31. HER EXCELLENCY, AMINA TITILAYO ATIKU-ABUBAKAR, THE WIFE OF FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA, FOUNDER SHE CAMPAIGN GROUP.

AWARD TITLE: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LUMINARY AWARD

32. HON. FABIYI A OLADIMEJI SENIOR AIDE TO AHL. ATIKU ABUBAKAR GCON, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA (1999-2007).

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

33. SEN. LAWAL ADAMU USMAN (Mr La),

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

34. HIS EXCELLENCY, SEN. AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL CFR, FORMER GOVERNOR OF SOKOTO STATE

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

35. BARR KABIRU TANIMU TURAKI, SAN

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

36. SEN. YAKUBU LADO DAN MARKE,

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

37. HON. BASHIR ADAMU JUMBO OFR,

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

38. SENATOR BELLO HAYATU GWARZO

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

39. HIS EXCELLENCY, SEN. AHMED MOHAMMED MAKARFI, FORMER GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE

AWARD TITLE: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

40. HIS EXCELLENCY, ALH. ATIKU ABUBAKAR, GCON FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA (1999-2007), 2023 PDP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE.

AWARD TITLE: PHILANTHROPIC LEADERSHIP AWARD

41. HON. DANIEL WOYEGIKURO, National Financial Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

42. HON. ISAH ASHIRU KUDAN,

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

43. HE DR HARUNA YUNUSA SAEED AG,

AWARD TITLE: YOUTH MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT AWARD

44. HON. DR. MRS OBIANUJU KANU OGOKO,Former HOD Liaison Department, Directorate of Strategic Communication, 2023 PDP-PCMC.

AWARD TITLE: POLITICAL STRATEGIST & PARTY UNITY AMBASSADOR AWARD

45. HIGH CHIEF FRANKLIN EKECHUKWU(AGBALUSIA NGENE)

AWARD TITLE: PARTY UNITY AMBASSADOR AWARD

46. HON. MRS FUNMILAYO OGUN’S, Ekiti State PDP Secretary, 2026 PDP Governorship Aspirant.

AWARD TITLE: PARTY UNITY AMBASSADOR AWARD