Governor Ugwuanyi, Airtel, others honoured

Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, emerged the Most Efficient Governor at the grand finale of the fifth Annual Brand and Marketing Conference of Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN).

The event was organised to reward outstanding performances by individuals, brands and service providers across the country.

At the Awards and Gala Nite held at the Nike Lake Hotel and Resorts, Enugu, recently, Ugwuanyi was recognised based on his efficient revenue utilization, infrastructure development and focus on the welfare of workers

According to BJAN, the Award, was conferred on the Governor on the heels of accolades which came across the country for the several milestones recorded by the administration in Enugu in the areas of infrastructure development and prompt salaries payment in the face of dwindling oil revenue which has challenged most other states in the country.

Like Ugwuanyi, Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpezu went home with the Best Made in Nigeria promoter of the year, while Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategies bagged Best Information Manager (Public).

For leading telecommunications company, Airtel, it was a night of double celebration as it went home with two awards.

While Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria got the recognition as the Best Indigenous CEO of the Year, Mr, Enitan Denloye, Vice President, Brands and Marketing, Airtel Nigeria emerged Marketing Director of the Year.

Also at the awards ceremony, Mr. Nnamdi John Okonkwo, MD, Fidelity Bank Plc was given the CEO of the Year, while Best Corporate Brand Manager Award went to the duo of Mrs. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo of Stanbic Bank and Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumeney of First Bank and also President, Advertisers Association of Nigeria, ADVAN.

Others rewarded at the event for their outstanding performances included Mr. Kufre Ekanem of Nigerian Breweries Plc and Mr. Anthony Chiejina of Dangote as Best Image Makers (Private), the Best Campaign Manager of the Year award went to Mr. Segun Ogunleye, Marketing Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company.

The Most Efficient Public Office Manager award which went Mr. Babatunde Fowler, the Executive Chairman, FIRS. The Group Chief Executive Officer, Verdant Zeal Communications emerged BJAN Flag bearer of the Year.

Mr. Melvin Udosen was recognised as the BJAN Most Outstanding Member of the Year for his immense contribution.

Commenting on the award, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked the journalists for the recognition and praised the media in Nigeria for their steadfastness in helping to strengthen governance through responsible reportage.

He expressed delight at being so recognized and expressed his commitment to sustaining the development of Enugu State and its people through massive infrastructure development as critical enabler for economic development.

“I must appreciate the thoughts and efforts behind this honour. Since we assumed office on May 29, 2017, our team has challenged ourselves with the task of improving the lot of the state with the intention of leaving it better than we found it when our term is ended. It has not been easy, given the dire economic circumstances we found ourselves in after assuming office. But we realized that we cannot afford to betray the confidence reposed on us by the people by giving excuses. We concluded that as tough as the circumstances might be, with prudence and prioritization, we could achieve a whole lot,” the Governor said.

Chairman, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, Mr Goddie Ofose said a careful review of the performance of all the governors of the 36 states in Nigeria showed that the Enugu State Governor was outstanding in the areas of infrastructure development. He pointed out that given the resources available to the state when compared to others, Governor Ugwuanyi has performed above peers and has lifted the state in many areas.

“We have noted the massive infrastructure development taking place in Enugu. We have also noted the attention to the welfare of workers and observed that Enugu, although not an oil producing state, has not owed workers’ salaries. The accolades from all over the country that followed the efficient utilization of the Paris Fund refund by the government was also a critical factor that earned the award for the governor. It was also important that in the face of all those commendable milestones, Enugu has risen from the sad story of the Fulani herdsmen attack of early 2016 to become one of the most peaceful states in the country,” Mr Ofose stated.

The Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria is the umbrella body of practicing journalists covering Brands, Public Relation, and Marketing Communication beats in Nigeria.