ENGR. ALABI BAGS AWARD OF RECOGNITION, DEDICATES THE AWARD TO H.E LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA
The Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi has added another feather to his hat as he received the Award of Excellence for Standing for Justice and Truth in recognition of his consistent and forthright voice on issues of insecurity, governance and inclusivity.
Engr, Alabi received the award at the 16th Annual Lecture and Awards of Ebony Herald International Magazine, held in Akure. The anniversary’s theme was titled: ‘’Insecurity and Economic Development in Nigeria: Breaking the Circle of Corruption, Poverty and Violence’’.
The Commissioner, who also served as the Guest Speaker of the occasion, delivered his lecture, which centered on salient issues relating to the trajectory of governance, particularly in relation to hunger, the herders-farmers crisis, corruption, and other national challenges.
Speaking further, he gave a synopsis of the colonial foundation from (1900-1960); First Republic and Political Fragility from (1960–1966); Military Rule and Institutional Distortions from (1966–1999); Democratic Continuity Amid Persistent Weakness from (1999–Present); as well as; Governance and Hunger in Nigeria; Governance and the Herder–Farmer Crisis; Corruption as a Structural Governance Problem and National Challenges and their Governance Dimensions.
He noted that the persistent challenges faced by the Country are not isolated phenomena; rather they are deeply interconnected outcomes of the country’s governance trajectory. He added that understanding these problems require tracing the evolution of governance institutions and their implications for contemporary policy outcomes.
The Commissioner called on leaders to uphold comprehensive governance reforms as a major driver towards sustainable development and national stability saying that ‘’ the trajectory of governance in Nigeria reveals a complex interplay of historical legacies, institutional weaknesses, and contemporary political dynamics; Hunger, the herder–farmer crisis, corruption, and broader national challenges are symptoms of deeper governance failures rooted in centralization, weak accountability, underdeveloped institutions, and inconsistent policy implementation; While Nigeria possesses significant potentials, meaningful transformation requires strengthening democratic institutions, addressing structural inequalities, reforming the security sector, and rebuilding agricultural systems’’.
Later, whilst receiving his award, Engr. Alabi who thanked the publisher and his team for counting him worthy of the award also commended other awardees. He dedicated his award to the Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who he mentioned is a product of justice and truth.
The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Ebony Herald Magazine, Alhaji Lai Gidado, appreciated God and everyone for supporting his vision of 16 years, which he said has transformed into a global outfit. He called for more support so as to continue to promote and support good governance.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Kabiyesi Kunle Ajanaku, congratulated the team on the successful event. He particularly commended the Honourable Commissioner, Engr. Johnson Alabi, for a well delivered lecture on issues of insecurity, farming and ease of doing business. He implored leaders to look into more intervention schemes that would be beneficial to those in the rural areas.
Major highlights of the anniversary was the investiture of eminent personalities into the revered Ebony Herald Hall of Fame, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the society, leadership excellence and service to humanity.
Debbie Funmilayo
Information Officer
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
