21 December 2008
Lagos — THISDAY Awards, the 14th in the series, are here again. Every year, THISDAY honours the best and brightest who have made invaluable contributions in various fields of human endeavours. At a rigorous screening by THISDAY Board of Editors, 30 distinguished Nigerians emerged as winners of the Lifetime Achievement Awards. The lifetime Achievement Awards honour elder statesmen and illustrious Nigerians who have served the country meritoriously in various capacities. Last year, at the 13th edition, eminent Nigerians who bagged the Lifetime Achievement Awards included former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Dr. Ola Vincent; former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams; former World Court judge, Prince Bola Ajibola; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Allison Ayida; former Ambassador to the UN, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, and former Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), late Chief Sunday Awoniyi, who bagged the award posthumously. This year, the awardees are ..
Jacob Ade Ajayi: Ade Ajayi is a Professor Emeritus of History. He was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos between1972 and 1978. Before then, he was Dean Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan and was later promoted Deputy Vice-Chancellor. As an early writer of Nigerian and African history, he is widely known to have brought considerable respect to African research and this recommended him to THISDAY Board of Editors for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ade Ajayi was born in Ikole-Ekiti in May 1929. He read history at the University of Ibadan.
Lateef Adegbite: A legal practitioner and Islamic leader, Adegbite was Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of the Western State of Nigeria from 1971 to 1973 and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice,1973 to 1975. Former University lecturer, Adegbite has contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian judicial system and federalism. Adegbite has been a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1966. He is the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. Adegbite was born on March 20, 1933 in Abeokuta. He was educated at the University of Southampton from 1959 to 1962 and University of London-1962 to 1965. He became a barrister at law, Gray's Inn in 1965.
Ayo Adebanjo: A chieftain of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Adebanjo is a prominent politician and a leader of Afenifere. He is also a lawyer. He was one of the founders of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1998. He was a leader of NADECO, which fought for the de-annulment of the June 12 election. He suffered untold deprivation as he was harassed and detained by the operatives of the late Abacha regime. Adebanjo was picked for the Lifetime Achievement Award for his consistency in politics and pursuit of social justice over the years. He was born on April 10, 1928. He was Crime Reporter and later Commercial Editor at the defunct Daily Service. In 1957, he travelled to England to be trained as a lawyer and was called to the English Bar in 1961.
Alhaji Abubakar A.: A technocrat, Abubakar Alhaji had a chequered career in the civil service. He was at various times Permanent Secretary in the ministries of Trade, Industries and Finance. Abubakar Alhaji was Finance Minister under the defunct General Ibrahim Babangida regime. As Sardauna Sokoto, his traditional title, Abubakar Alhaji was known to be very influential in and out of government. He was Nigeria's High Commissioner to London from 1992 to 1998 and is a Knight of the British Empire. THISDAY Board of Editors is honouring him with the LifetimeAchievement Award for his numerous contributions to the country. Born on November 22, 1938 in Sokoto, he attended the Bournemouth College of Commerce and Technology, UK and University of Reading also in UK among others.
Olanihun Ajayi: A legal practitioner, Olanihun remains one of the driving forces behind Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation. He is also one of the surviving associates of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. As a committed Awoist, he was a member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic on the platform of UPN. Olanihun is also one of the brains behind The Patriots, a group of some elder statesmen and prominent Nigerians, which constantly reviews the state of the nation.
Oludolapo Akinkugbe: A pharmacist and industrialist, Akinkugbe was President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) from 1970 to 1974 and former President, Ibadan Chambers of Commerce. The Lifetime Achievement Award is coming to Akinkugbe for his industry and contributions in Nigeria's corporate world. He was born on December 5, 1928 in Ondo, Ondo State and was educated at St. Steven's Primary School and Ondo Boys' High School Ondo from 1935 to 1945. He also attended School of Pharmacy, Yaba, Lagos, from 1946 to 1949.
Francis Arinze: Arinze is a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the sacraments at the Vatican and Catholic Bishop of Velletri-Segni. Cardinal Arinze was one of the principal advisors to Pope John Paul 11.Born in Eziowelle, Anambra State on November 1, 1932, cardinal Arinze became the world's youngest bishop in 1965, at the age of 32. Arinze was called to the Vatican in 1984 and elevated to cardinal in 1985. He is being honoured for his achievements at The Vatican.
Bolarinwa Babalakin: A retired Supreme Court justice, Babalakin has had a distinguished judicial career. He headed the committee inaugurated by President Olusegun Obasanjo to review the report of the Justice Kayode Eso Commission on the performance of judicial officers in the country. He produced the popular Babalakin report on electoral commission in the country. THISDAY Lifetime Achievement Award is a further recognition of his invaluable contributions to the country's judicial system. He is the father of Olawale, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and scion of the Babalakin family. Justice Babalakin is in his 70's.
Ado Bayero: Bayero is the current Emir of Kano. He was very young, barely 33, when he assumed the throne in 1963. As Emir, he is said to be immensely popular. Bayero, a former Native Authority Police Officer, is a businessman and former Nigeria's Ambassador to Senegal. He is the 13th Fulani Emir since the Fulani War of Usman dan Fodio, where the Fulani took over Hausa city-states. He was born on July 25, 1930 in Kano. He is a son of the late Abdullahi Bayero dan Muhammad Abbas Abdullahi, who also was an Emir of Kano.
John Pepper Clark: A celebrated poet and novelist, Prof John Pepper Clark used his works to pass across his powerful political messages. As a renowned playwright, Clark has affected Nigeria and beyond with his works and it's for this accomplishment that THISDAY is honouring him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Born on April 6, 1935 in Kiagbodo, Western Ijaw, Delta State, Clark was educated at the University College, now University of Ibadan, 1956-60; and Princeton University New Jersey, US, 1962-63.
Theophilus Danjuma: Lt. General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) is a Jukun from Taraba State. A politician and businessman, Danjuma was Minister of Defence in the Obasanjo regime. He was also Chief of Army Staff under the Murtala/Obasanjo military regime. THISDAY is honouring him with the lifetime Achievement Award for his numerous contributions to the development of the country. Apart from playing crucial roles in the military and politics, Danjuma is also on the board of many blue chip companies. He is the Chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO) among others. Danjuma is in his 70's.
Etim Inyang: Inyang is a former Police Inspector General. He served under the military regime of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. A dedicated officer, he rose to the position through the ranks. Inyang also instituted an in-house reform policy, which was deemed both honest and modest. It was aimed at drastically changing the negative profile of the police and securing efficiency. This unfortunately did not survive his tenure as it was met with stiff institutional opposition and condemnation.
Newton Jibunoh: Jibunoh is an engineer and environmental activist who has crossed the Sahara Desert twice alone. Speaking about his exploits, he told an online newspaper early this year: "I crossed the Sahara alone in 1965. It was an adventure for a crazy young man who had finished his studies in London and was ready to face the world. The 1960s were the decade of the Space Race and social change, and I was looking for the best ways to be a part of that era." For his exploits, THISDAY is giving him the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Gambo Jimeta: Administrator and police officer, Jimeta was Inspector-General of Police and member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council from 1986 to 1990. Jimeta has been Minister of Agriculture twice, 1993-1996 and 1995-1998. He is also a former National Security Adviser. The THISDAY Lifetime award is in recognition of his meritorious service over the years in the area of security and police affairs.
Jimeta was born on April 15, 1937 in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State.
Emmanuel C. Edozien: Renowned economist, Prof. Emmanuel Chukwuma was Special Adviser to President Shehu Shagari on Economic Matters in the Second Republic. He is a former President, Nigeria Economic Society. THISDAY is honouring him with the Lifetime Achievement award for his contributions and many more to Nigeria's development. Edozien was Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, 1977-1979 and Professor of Economics at the same university from 1976 to 1986. Edozien was educated at the University of Ibadan, 1959-1962 and University of Michigan, An Arbor, Michigan, 1962-66.
Anthony Enahoro: Former NADECO chieftain, Enahoro is a politician, publisher and elder statesman. He moved the motion for Nigeria's independence in 1953 and attended all constitutional conferences in Lagos and London preceding Nigeria's independence in 1960. He was NADECO leader and on account of that he suffered untold deprivations from the Abacha regime. The Lifetime Achievement Award is been given to Enahoro for his heroic role in the build-up to Nigeria's independence and his undying agitation for true democracy in the land. He was born on July 22, 1923.
Ade Elebute: A Professor of Medicine, Elebute is the Chairman of Lagoon Hospital. He is a former President of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and Provost of the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos. An operating physician, Elebute is also Chairman, Hygeia Nigeria Limited, a health services provider.
Elebute is one of the country's distinguished medical doctors and has contributed immensely in the field of medicine, for which he has been singled out for the Lifetime Achievement Award. He hails from Ogun State and has also been conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Kayode Eso: Kayode Eso was judge at the Supreme Court of Nigeria until 1990. A very courageous jurist, he rose to the apex court from serving as a judge on the High Court Bench. He has many publications on Nigerian law to his credit, among which are Nigerian Law and Human Rights and Further Thoughts on Nigerian Law and Jurisprudence. It is for his numerous contributions to law and jurisprudence that THISDAY is honouring him with the award. A book, entitled Kayode Eso, The Making of a Judge, was recently written in his honour. Eso was born on September 8, 1925 in Ilesa, Osun State. He was called to the Bar in 1954.
Mathew Mbu: Matthew Tawo Mbu, a lawyer, diplomat and politician was First Republic minister and pioneer Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. In a political and diplomatic career spanning many decades, he has held many offices. He was the first Nigeria's Representative in the United Nations from 1959 to 1960 an Minister of Defence (Navy) from 1961 to 1965. Prior to the birth of the Second Republic, Mbu was a member of the Constituent Assembly. He holds LL.B and LL.M. Mbu was born on November 20, 1929 in Okundi, Ogoja, Cross River State.
Gidado Idris: A seasoned administrator, Idris was Secretary to the Government of the Federation from 1995 to 98. He was Private and Personal Secretary to the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
Idris was also Permanent Secretary Police Affairs, Lagos, 1986-1988. He was Secretary, Constitution Drafting Committee, 1975-76, Secretary, Constituent Assembly, 1976-77 and Clerk of the National Assembly, 1978 to 1983. Idris was born in 1935 in Zaria, Kaduna and attended Zaria Institute of Administration, Zaria and University of Leeds, London.
Chukwuemeke Ike: Ike is a prominent novelist and educationist. Some of his works include Toads for Supper, The Naked Gods, The Potter's Wheel and Sunset At Dawn. His works, widely read in Nigeria and beyond, endeared him to the Board of Editors of THISDAY, hence the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ike began his working life as an Administrative Assistant and later Assistant Registrar, University College, Ibadan and Deputy Registrar, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 1963 -71. Ike was Registrar and Chief Executive of the West African Examination Council at its Head Office in Accra, Ghana from 1971 to 79. He was also Editorial Adviser, Nigerian Chronicle, 1966-71 and Director of the Daily Times, 1971-1987. He was born on April 28, 1931 in Ndikelionwu, Orumba North, Anambra State.
Oba Sijuade: A prominent traditional ruler, Sijuwade is the Ooni of Ife, Olubuse 11. He is the Chairman of Osun State Traditional Rulers Council and President, Advisory Committee of Yoruba Obas. Sijuwade was appointed Chancellor Cross River State University, Uyo in 1988. He is a member, Nigeria Institute of Management. He holds national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic. He was born on January 1, 1930 in Ile-Ife. He attended St. John's School Igbein, Abeokuta, Abeokuta Grammar School, Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife and British Institute of Management, Holborn, London.
Femi Okunnu: A legal practitioner and publicist, Okunnu was Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing from 1967 to 1974 during the Yakubu Gowon military regime. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Okunnu's commitment to the pursuit of justice and equity and service to the country as federal minister combined to throw him up for THISDAY Lifetime Achievement Award. Born in Lagos on February 19, 1933, he was educated at the University College, London (1956-59), Gray's Inn, London and Council of Legal Education (1956-60). He was called to the English and the Nigerian Bar in 1960.
Omowale Kuye: Foremost economist and lawyer, Kuye was Director of Budget in the General Ibrahim Babangida military regime. An octogenarian power house on information on contemporary history and politics of Nigeria, Kuye's opinion on major issues are held strongly in the country.
High Chief Kuye is the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland .
Kuye holds the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR). He is Chief Executive Director, Nigerian Gas Cylinders Manufacturing Co. He is married to Priscilla, lawyer and activist who is one of the women icons and role model in the country.
Michael Omolayole: A human resource management expert, Omolayole is a former chairman of Lever Brothers. He was also Chairman National bank of Nigeria, 1973-75 and Chairman Chemical and Allied Products Limited in Lagos since 1984.
As a management expert of note, THISDAY is honouring Omolayole with the Lifetime award in recognition of his contributions to the country. He is the Chairman/ Managing Consultant Omolayole and Associates. He was a visiting Professor in Personnel management and Industrial Relations at the University of Lagos from 1968 to 69. Omolayole was born on December 25, 1929.
Chukwudifu Oputa: Retired Supreme Court justice, Oputa was appointed into the apex court in 1984. He was Judge of the defunct East-Central State, 1971-76 and judge, High Court of Imo State from 1976 to 1984.
Oputa is a fiery judge who had his way with words. He was the Chairman of the Human Rights Violations Investigations Commission, aka Oputa panel, which investigated human rights abuses in 2000. Oputa has made remarkable contributions to the law for which THISDAY is celebrating him.
Oputa was born on September 22, 1924 in Oguta, Imo State.
Folake Solanke: Solanke has recorded many "firsts". She was the first woman state commissioner in the Western state during the military regime in 1972. She was also the first woman Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1981. She is a firm believer in the cause of women. She achieved significant progress for the women of the world. Folake married Prof. Toriola Solanke, a surgeon from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, now late.
Adamu Baikie: An educationist and university administrator, Prof. Baikie is the first Professor of Education in Northern Nigeria and first Nigerian Dean of Education in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU). Baikie is a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin and that of the University of Lesotho in South Africa. He is also the pioneer and current Vice-Chancellor of the Nasarawa State University.
THISDAY Board of Editors picked Baikie for the Lifetime Achievement Award because of his pioneering role in the field of education.
Baikie, who hails from Kano , was born on October 2, 1931.
Adamu Fika: A consummate technocrat, Fika is former Head of Service. He served in the civil service of both the First and Second Republics. He is also a former Permanent Secretary. Fika who holds the traditional title of Wazirin Fika also has the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic. The Lifetime Achievement award is being given to Fika for his contribution to the country and commitment to the project Nigeria. Born December 31, 1933, Fika is 75.
Yahaya Gusau: A consummate politician and bureaucrat, Gusau was Minister of Agriculture under President Shehu Shagari's government in the Second Republic. In the First Republic, he was a frontline stalwart of the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC).
A firm believer in the cause of the North and Nigeria, Gusau is one of the founding leaders of the Arewa Consultaive Forum (ACF). The THISDAY Lifetime Achievement Award he earned for his contributions to the country will now be given posthumously because Gusau died on Monday, December 15, 2008. Shettima Sokoto, his traditional title, Gusau was born in 1916 and had the national honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic.
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