Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been given the Nigerian flag for his contribution to the nation’s democracy at the just concluded Hall of Grace Awards in Lagos State.The event was held in honour of notable Nigerians, including, Governor Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry, BoI and Wilma Aguele of WILBAHI.
Abubakar was honoured for his role in the fight against the military, his strides during his tenure as Vice President and efforts to sustain his democracy.
The Chief Executive Officer of AlphaGrace Media, organisers of the Hall of Grace (HoG) Awards, Mr Rupert Ojenuwa, said: “Our nation is in dire straits, our nation has been bleeding, our nation searches for a hero. Nigeria needs help and this isn’t difficult to see. You can imagine that you have to provide for something as basic as power, as security, as potable water and all. Doesn’t it worry you that after close to 60 years of flag independence, we still struggle with these things? We are still known as a dark nation?
“We must, going forward, look for qualified people to lead us. We must focus on heroes and not leaders who seem to think Nigeria is a cooperative society owned by them. We must pick leaders who see all Nigerians as the same irrespective of where they come from or what religion they practice.
“Whilst I may lack the power or influence to ask Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to run for the presidency in 2019, I can advise every Nigerian.
“If you must vote for leaders, vote for people in the mould of Atiku Abubakar. Atiku sacrificed so much for democracy. He almost lost his life fighting for its return and he delivered dividends during his tenure as vice president and this is why we honour him as All Time Hero of Nigeria’s Democracy,” he said.
Bindow was honoured for his strides in Adamawa State.
In less than two years, the governor constructed more than 120 roads and he has impacted the health sector and youth empowerment. he bagged the HoG Most Performing Governor of the Year.
The BoI chief, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, was also decorated for his sterling performance at the BoI, as under his watch, disbursement has soared and the rate of non-performing loans (NPLs) have nosedived.
