By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
Senator President Godswill Akpabio, Abia State Governor Alex Otti are set to be celebrated in the United Kingdom at the prestigious 2025 Nigeria Golden Hearts Awards International.
These distinguished Nigerian leaders will be honored alongside Abigail Marshall Katung, the 130th Mayor of Leeds, and the first African to assume that position in Leeds,United Kingdom.
In a press statement released by the organizers over the weekend and signed by the Executive Director, Festus Odunze, the purpose of the event was highlighted as a celebration of excellence, achievement, and good governance. According to Odunze, Akpabio has been instrumental in ensuring stability and smooth operations within the National Assembly, contributing significantly to the legislative interventions aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Similarly, Governor Alex Otti has, over the past two years, transformed public perception of Abia State. Through aggressive infrastructure development and strategic initiatives, he has opened up the state for increased investments. “These giant strides are worthy of celebration and serve as motivation for other leaders to deliver the dividends of democracy,” he added.
The awards ceremony is aimed at encouraging good leadership and promoting a positive image of Nigeria, especially in light of the negative narratives often portrayed on social media. The event will also serve as a platform for honorees to interact with Nigerians and constituents residing in the United Kingdom, fostering dialogue around the progress and direction of their respective administrations.
Other selected personalities for the prestigious award are: Ebonyi State First Lady Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, in recognition of her gender mainstreaming efforts and provision of healthcare for children and women in the rural areas of her state, through her pet project BERWO; The Senate Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, Hon George Alli, Rev. Godfrey Osemwegie, Dr Raymond Asemakaha and one of the Nigeria’s finest industrialist, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of the United Nigeria Airlines.
With the theme, “Celebrating the Giant Strides of Unsung Heroes,” the occasion will also mark the release of the 9th edition of the Nigeria Golden Hearts Magazine, featuring Senator Godswill Akpabio as the cover personality.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 14, 2025, at the Hilton Leeds City Hotel, United Kingdom.
