By Michael Ovat -Awka
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime, has been bestowed with the Award of National Excellence in Strategic Communication and Public Service during the 10th National Leadership Integrity and Development Summit and Awards 2026.
The high-profile event, held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, was organized by the Center for Ethical Conduct Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE) in partnership with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.
Commemorating Nigeria’s 66th anniversary, the gathering centered on the theme, “Making Nigeria Work, Through Trusted Leadership, Working institutions, Economic Growth, Sustainable Development and National Security.”
Represented at the ceremony by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Productions, Mr. Ejike Abana, the Chief Press Secretary dedicated the award to the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo and good people of Anambra State.
The event featured panel discussions and keynote addresses from prominent leaders focusing on national progress, as Dr. Owah David, Executive Director of CECOE, opened discussions by addressing the core question of what is required to make Nigeria work, noting that the pursuit reflects the foundational passion of the nation’s birth and emphasized that progress relies on deliberate action rather than mere wishes.
Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Chairman of the Occasion, stressed that the nation requires strong institutions alongside capable leadership that transcends individual character, adding that true development must incorporate sustainability and measurable improvements in citizens’ lives, urging transparency and accountability to become daily lifestyles rather than isolated event-based practices.
Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, Chairman of the House Committee on Customs who Co-Chaired the event, spoke on the theme “Making Nigeria Work: Leadership, Institutions and Citizens; Our Collective Responsibility,” asserting that national progress requires essential reforms and a fundamental shift in citizen attitudes.
Commending the President Tinubu-led administration reforms such as subsidy removal and the reallocation of funds into productive ventures, he highlighted that the country is steadily advancing toward manufacturing and increased foreign direct investment (FDI)
