It was a night filled with glitz and glamour few days ago at Abuja, the nation’s capital as prominent Nigerians impact and change makers across diverse endeavors were recognized with awards by one of Nigerian foremost Celebrity life style publication, Megastar magazine, the organizers of the Megastar Man of Decade Awards.
The event which set out to reward achievers for excellence and consistency in the last ten years also recognized those who have continued to make an impact in their communities.
Some of the categories included, Real Estate company of the Decade, Public Service Champion of the Decade, Communication Pioneer of the Decade, Posthumous Honorary Ion of the decade (Special Recognition Award) and Achievement in Governance (Special Recognition.
Others are Government Agency of the Decade, Media Luminary of the Decade, Private Sector Trailblazer of the Decade, Creative Industry Innovator of the Decade, Service provider of the Decade, Transportation Excellence of the Decade, E-commerce Innovator of the Decade among other categories.
The well attended Megastar of man of the Decade awards had featured dance performances was also graced by Nigeria popular artist and a former member of the plantation boyz, Faze who thrilled the audience to some of his melodious hit songs electrifying the Marquee hall of the Luxurious Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartment, Asokoro Abuja.
Osahon Okunbo, a business Entrepreneur was honored with the ‘Emerging Entrepreneur of the Decade” award. Osahon has established an enviable business legacy which cut across, Oil and Gas, Hospitality, Real Estate has employed over 6, 000 Nigerians across his vast business conglomerate.
Chief Dele Momodu was honored with the “Media Luminary of the Decade” award. Momodu, a household name to reckon with in media and politics, has demonstrated entrepreneurial vision and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.
Also, Dr. Michael Adenuga, a business colossus and a trailblazer was honored with “ Megastar Man of the Decade” for his giant stride in transforming the telecommunication sector.
Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion presented with the “Cultural Ambassador of the Decade” award. The Esama of Benin Kingdom has stood as an unwavering pillar of cultural preservation and promotion not just in Benin Kingdom but across the African continent and beyond.
The event with the topic “Social Enterprise: A catalyst for National Development” was brainstormed by a set of panelists who gave engaging insights on the topic as guests listened with rapt attention.
One of the panelist, Chief Dele Momodu in his submission had posited, “We have to encourage social enterprise by ensuring that we take care of those who are weak because if we don’t do that, we can complain of having insecurity, today everybody want that big instant money without laying the foundation so we need to lay that foundation for social enterprise, and encourage our people to be very useful to the society.
“It is pertinent to lay the foundation that will fast-track development in all sectors of our national development. We have to encourage social Enterprise that will cater for the ordinary people. There is so much we can do in this regard. It is however regrettable that our people travel abroad and can’t replicate positive ideas here in Nigeria. He noted.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer, Promise Land Estate, Dr Lawrence Emmanuel (MON) harped on the need for investors to embarked on Corporate Social Responsibility as a mean of giving back to the society and noted that his organization through his foundation has embarked on people’s orientated project within Abuja metropolis and beyond.
The Estate giant added that his organization has built a brand and business relationship over the years where social enterprise remains in the heart of their engagement which he noted transcend African, Europe and America.
Governor of Nasarawa State His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule bagged the Megastar Man of the Decade Special Recognition Award for “Governance Achievement in Industrialization” was represented by the Director General, Strategic Communication and Event Management, Mr Yakubu Lamai.
Lamai said Governor Sule’s visionary leadership and commitment to the development of the state is worthy of celebration and thanked the Megastar Magazine for the honor.
Also, Nasarawa State, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Labaran Magaji and lauded the developmental track record of Nasarawa state Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule noted that the Governor has embarked several empowerment projects that had benefited the people of the state.
Special Guest of Honour, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri who sent his good will message described the occasion as ‘extraordinary event’s and commended the determination and commitment of the Founder of Megastar Man of the Decades Awards.
“Niyi has proved that true greatness isn’t loud, it is steady, consistent and deeply rooted in character. His vision for this event is a testament to his ability to see the extraordinary in others and create spaces excellence is not just celebrated but amplified.
Earlier on, the founder of the Megastar Man of the Decade Award, Adeniyi Ifetayo, in his welcome address said the event was his own modest contribution and celebrating those who have added value to the nation.
Ifetayo noted, “As part of giving value in our own modest contribution, we’ve been able to use part of our resources to better the learning environment of over 200 pupils at LEA primary school, Dutse Sokale and building a legacy project “A modern rest room facility” at Junior Secondary School, Dutse Alhaji sokale, Abuja to aid over 2,000 pupils that depend on sharing three rest rooms facilities because they are overwhelmed. You can do something no matter how small or big.
“We are here today to celebrate and reward those individuals, corporate organizations and government agencies who have used their hard-earned resources and reputations to better the lots of our people at home and abroad in the last decade.
“We are here today to also encourage and inspire those who are here or watching us all over the world that you can actually do something small or great to bring joy and add value to your community regardless of your status or position because these are the basics of social enterprise as a catalyst for development in Nigeria.
“A social enterprise is that activity or business that aims to achieve social or environmental goals while also generating profits. Social enterprises are different from traditional businesses because their primary goal is not to maximize profits. Instead, they use their profits to fund social programs and improve the socio-economic conditions of marginalized or economically disadvantaged groups.
“There are many challenges in Nigeria today but when critically tackled by social enterprise it will snowball to economic development and empowerment for underserved communities. There are arms of social enterprise that can birth development in Nigeria if properly followed by individuals, corporate organizations and governments at all levels”
Other personalities who carted away awards included Sijibomi Ogundele, Sen. Ned Nwoko, Stephanie Busari, Barrister Gliffeth Wonuigwe, late Captain Hosa Okunbo bagged posthumous, Pastor Poju Oyemade, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, Ms Jawhar Abboud, Dorian Home for Charity and Social Development and Pacesetter Schools, Abuja among other notable awardees.
