Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has extolled the leadership qualities of Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, describing him as “an achiever”.

Obasanjo, at the presentation of the 2016 Zik Prize for Leadership in Lagos on Sunday night, said Umahi’s focus and passion had brought unprecedented transformations and development in all sectors of Ebonyi State.

He stated that the obvious marks of good governance as exemplified by the Umahi administration was worthy of the ideals of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was in his life time called Zik of Africa.

A statement on Monday by Umahi’s Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, quoted the former President as adding that the award was deserving of the recipient for his distinctive performance in his calling as a democratic leader.

“This Governor (Umahi) is a doer, an achiever: I have seen him at work and I know what he is doing in his state,” Obasanjo stressed at the event had business moguls like Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; politicians and bankers in attendance.

The former President expressed optimism that the honour would encourage Umahi and other recipients for greater achievements akin to those of the late sage, Dr. Azikiwe.

The other recipients of the award were Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele; Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje of Kano State.

While the award for Good Governance went to the Ebonyi State Governor; that of Professional Leadership was conferred on Emefiele. The award for Humanitarian Service was bagged by Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu while Alhaji Ahmed Joda and Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu received Public Service Awards. Dr. Kesington Adebutu and Dr. Daniel Chukwudozie were awarded for Business Leadership.

Speaking on behalf of other awardees, Umahi emphasised that Nigeria at present needs exemplary leaders like Zik to offer quality services to the people as well as promote the spirit of unity in the country.

“We need exemplary leaders like Zik at a time when our understanding of a united Nigeria is troubled,” an elated Umahi noted.

He expressed belief in one indivisible Nigeria built in love, peace, fairness, equity and justice, adding that the award would spur him to greater works and services to the people “especially to pursue those virtues for which Zik of Africa lived and died in this country.”

The governor expressed appreciation to God for His grace and to the organisers of the event, Public Policy, Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC) for its integrity.

In a key note address, the Executive Director of PPRAC, Chief Mac Nwabara, observed that the Zik Prize in Leadership was instituted over two decades ago to help raise leadership bar in Africa; from politics to education and marketing to industry for those who have charted a way for others to follow.

Noting that “leadership used properly will promote a society”, he stressed the need for a course correction in Nigeria based on corrupt-free leadership and good conscience without which, the nation cannot move forward.

He urged the awardees to continue to consistently raise the bar of leadership for which they were nominated for the award, devoid of any form of disappointment.

The Chairman of the event, Professor Joe Irukwu (SAN), in his remark poured encomiums on the late Azikiwe who, according to him, laid foundation for effective and unifying leadership in the country.

He challenged all modern day leaders to strive to promote the legacies of the late icon and commended the organisers for the caliber of the nominee.

Other prominent Nigerians that graced the event were Billionaire oil magnate, Femi Otedola; former Managing Director of Access Bank Aig-Imouhuode; Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe; many members of the state Executive Council and House of Assembly.

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