GAIYD, American University Honour Nigerians Supporting Boy-Child Development

GAIYD, American University Honour Nigerians Supporting Boy-Child Development

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD), in collaboration with the American Management University (AMU), USA, has honoured several Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to the development and protection of the boy child. The honours were conferred at the 2025 Doctorate Award ceremony held in Abuja over the weekend.

Speaking at the event, the President of GAIYD, Dr. Hillary Akpua, said the organisation was founded to correct the longstanding neglect of the boy child in public discourse and social intervention.

According to him, “GAIYD is an NGO that focuses on the boy child. Oftentimes, people have neglected the boy child and focus more on the girl child, especially in our society. A lot of people talk about the girl child, but without a good boy child, there wouldn’t be a better girl child.”

Akpua said the initiative emphasises both moral and educational development, adding that societal dysfunctions can be traced to poor upbringing.

“If you see a woman, the next thing is not to molest. It’s because we don’t have a good societal upbringing, that’s why we’re having a lot of leadership challenges. That’s why we’re having a lot of divorces in the family,” Akpua said.

He stressed that the awards were given strictly on merit. “The people that obtained the award today have been scrutinized, before they were nominated, it’s a thing of joy that the American Management University is using our platform to also recognize individuals.”

In his welcome address, GAIYD Grand Patron, Hon. Chamber Okorie, praised the organisation for championing a cause often ignored.

He said: “I want to appreciate the vision of this great organization that has transcended the length and breadth of Nigeria to advocate for the rights of the boy child that has been so vicious over time, neglected and ignored. Dr. Hillary Akpua has very bravely worked very hard to draw attention to the challenges, the opportunities of the boy child.”

Okorie congratulated the awardees, describing them as models of service.

“Those of us that have been selected today for this award are those who have been doing and carrying out the activities in a way that is worthy of emulation, you have become characters that people look forward to,” Okorie noted.

He urged them to continue contributing to society, adding, “By this conferment, we want to continue to celebrate you and invite you to continue to be part of the journey to make the boy child more responsible for a more responsible society.”

One of the recipients, MD/CEO of Guidotti Group, Dr. Richy Onolememen, described the award as a motivation to serve more.

“I feel very happy, it’s a call of commitment to do more, to give back more to the society, to inspire more, and to serve more with integrity,” Onolememen stated.

Another honouree, the Chief Medical Director of Dr. Hassan’s Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Dr. Shabihul Hassan, praised the focus on the boy child.

“It’s a wonderful event focusing on the boy child which is not very common. It’s equally important to focus on the boy child because the boy and the girl grow up to be the man and the woman that take care of society.”

Also speaking, another awardee, Dr. Lady Nwabuogo Chambers Okorie said her passion for the boy child was shaped by the experiences many boys face.

“Most of the involved children will tell you that they have been molested in one way or the other, so that makes me feel I would want to identify with this initiative to protect the male child.”

She added that the recognition encouraged her to continue humanitarian service. “This honor for me is a part of leadership and community development. I feel excited and I give all glory to God.”

The Board Chairman, Planning Committee for 2025 Great Achievers Summit and Awards of Excellence, Dr. Patrick Adilo, urged the honourees to deepen their service to society.

“I wish them good luck and urge them to make themselves more available for service to humanity,” Adilo said.

He also encouraged young people to embrace learning and innovation.

“For those of them that say education is a scam, I want to tell them that education is not a scam,” he stated.

The event honoured a distinguished array of personalities drawn from public service, traditional leadership, business, the creative industry and humanitarian circles. Among those recognised was Chief Dr. Innocent O. Ezuma, Executive Chairman of Eta Zuma Mining and Industries, who received the Pinnacle of Excellence in Leadership and Youth Empowerment. Former Minister and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Jerry Gana, CON, was honoured for Excellence in Leadership Sustainability, while His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi was celebrated as a Great Achiever in Transformational Leadership.

The Sa’peyi of Garki, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Nga-Kupi, received the award for Champion of Education and Cultural Preservation. Amb. Dr. Ahmed Obansanjo Rotimi, CEO of Ace Realm Integrated Services Limited, was recognised as an Iconic Leader in Real Estate and Community Development.

His Excellency Eshanekpe A. Israel earned the Excellence in Leadership Award, and Chief Sir Osedum Christopher Joseph, CEO of Jakata Hotel and Suites, was honoured as a Great Achiever in Humanitarian Service.

Alhaji Nurudeen Maidoki, MD/CEO of Natview Groups and Natview Foundation, received the award for Excellence in Digital Innovation for Social Empowerment, while Saratu Alanza Nagaba-Pamah, CEO of Nagaba ONE International Limited, was named Iconic Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. Legendary actor Francis Duru was honoured with the Legend of the Screen Award. Arc. Stan Nwana, CEO of Grand Resort, received recognition as the Most Excellent Entrepreneurial Mentor, and Mrs. Victoria Minaise, Founder and Director of Café De Vie Nigeria Ltd, earned the Global Humanitarian Impact Award.

Amb. Dr. Fatoumatta Gaye, Convener of the Global Excellence Summit and Awards, received the Most Inspiring Mentor of the Year recognition. Princess Edna DD Azura (Kwatam Mutaku), National President of NCWS, was named Woman of the Decade. Engr. Elijah Dlama Meshack, CEO of Mechampion Limited, was honoured as The Most Inspiring Builder of the Year. Dr. Matins Chekwubechukwu Igwebuike, CEO of Igmart Med-Laboratory Scientific Equipment Ltd, received the award for Outstanding Entrepreneur in Medical and Scientific Solutions.

Kayode Adaramodu was named Africa’s Outstanding Strategist in Business and Economic Transformation, while Chidi Henry Ndukwu, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, received the Distinguished Service Award in Law Enforcement and Public Safety. Dr. Emmanuel Abuhson, Founder and CEO of Agrovest, was recognised as Agritech Leader of the Year. Prof. Uche Mbanaso received the award for Excellence in Digital Technology.

Olanipekun Olukayode, Executive Chairman of the EFCC, was honoured as Distinguished Champion of National Integrity Advancement.

Amb. Richy Onolememen, MD/CEO of Guidotti Group and REO Foundation, received the award for Financial Stewardship and Humanitarian Impact. Dr. Imran Hasan was celebrated as a Doctoral Prodigy in Global Leadership and Diplomatic Advancement. Dr. Mathew Chibueze Ezeonyia, CEO of Hewking Ventures Ltd, was honoured as a Visionary Leader in Digital Innovation and Real Estate Development. Mrs. Kasiemobi Nwamara, Group CEO of Homeland Group, received recognition as a Trailblazer in Women’s Real Estate Advancement.

Aisha Abdullahi Adamu was honoured as Global Visionary Woman of the Year, while Chukwuemeka Obiazikwor, MD/CEO of Neo Homes Limited, received the award for Distinguished Achievement in Urban Development and Infrastructure. Arc. Rjahanba J. Margi-Mari, CEO of Edin and People, was recognised for Excellence in Property Development and Innovation. Tpl. Fanda Zichat A. received the Real Estate Visionary Award, and Senator Neda B. Imasuen of Edo South was honoured as Distinguished Legislator of the Year.

Divine Baba Solomon, Founder of Divine Baba Foundation, emerged as the Youngest Achiever of the year. Dr. Dahiru Bala was recognised for his contributions, while Mr. Valentine Okafor earned the Most Inspiring Mentor of the Year Award. HRH Emere Sir Dr. Emperor John Nkpe II, JP, FNIL, NIM, was honoured for Outstanding Royal Leadership in Conflict Resolution and Energy Impact. HRH Oba (Dr.) Micheal Adeyobiojo Adeagbo Ajayi, JP, FIADRN, FICMN, FIIM, received recognition as a Distinguished Monarch of Global Influence and Humanitarian Impact.

Dr. Hauwa Aminu was honoured as Humanitarian Icon for Education, Health and Social Impact, while Deaconess Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Osaro-Onaiwu, JP, received recognition as an Outstanding Philanthropist and Advocate for Women and Child Education. Okorie Micheal Okorie Esq., RPA, was celebrated for Outstanding Legal Excellence and National Regulatory Impact. Amb. Dr. Osita Offor, popularly known as “The Ultimate Commander,” was honoured as Legendary Sportsman of the Year. Rotimi Richard Pedro, Director-General of NTA, received the Leadership in Public Board Award.

Chief Dr. Nkoli Imoh was named Best Woman Empowerment Champion of the Year, while Mrs. Violet Adama received the award for Excellence in Peace Building, Leadership and Humanitarian Service.

Hassana Abdulaziz was recognised as a Distinguished Journalist and Social Impact Entrepreneur. Hon. Tony Nwulu received the Champion of Youth-Inclusive Governance and Democratic Reform Award. Femi Joshua was celebrated for Excellence in Enterprise Development and National Impact.

Prince Aliyu Audu was honoured as a Strategic Leader in Global Economic Partnership, and Chief Femi Boyede received recognition as a Global Icon of International Trade and Economic Development. Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye was named Best Performing Commissioner in Women and Community Development. Mr. Sammy Oladunni was honoured for Excellence in Business Innovation.

The ceremony also conferred honorary doctorate degrees on notable recipients. His Excellency Eshanekpe A. Israel received a Doctorate in Leadership and Conflict Management. Chief Sir Osedum Christopher Joseph was awarded a Doctorate in Leadership and Business Administration. Amb. Richy Onolememen received a Doctorate in Leadership Projects and Portfolio Management. Amb. Lady Nwabuogo Chambers Okorie earned a Doctorate in Leadership and Business Administration. Mr. Austin Izundu Okorie was awarded a Doctorate in Banking and Finance Management.