…Flags Off Compendium Celebrating Excellence Across Sectors
By Nkechi Eze
As part of activities lined up to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to honour 250 exceptional Nigerians drawn from various sectors for their unwavering dedication, innovation, and patriotic contributions to national development. The move, government officials say, is aimed at projecting national values, inspiring the youth, and celebrating excellence across board.
This was disclosed in an official signed statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, following the flag-off ceremony for the groundbreaking Compendium of 250 Top Performers in Nigeria, produced in collaboration with OyanaHealth Limited.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, described the initiative as both historic and timely, adding that it aligns with the broader vision of celebrating the resilience and ingenuity of the Nigerian people. Represented by the Permanent Secretary overseeing the General Services Office, Mallam Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, FCNA, the SGF said the compendium would reflect the nation’s vast human potential and serve as a symbol of national unity and pride.
“This initiative presents a timely opportunity to reflect, project and celebrate the values of resilience, innovation and patriotism that define the Nigerian spirit,” Akume stated. He further noted that the compendium would serve as a blueprint to motivate the youth and renew the collective resolve toward nation building.
Senator Akume also revealed that the publication will not only feature the names and profiles of the awardees but will also highlight some of the Federal Government’s key achievements and spotlight 11 top-performing state governors. Other activities planned around the initiative include a national quiz competition, exhibitions of innovation and creativity, a concert featuring patriotic songs, and other cultural showcases aimed at reinforcing national identity.
In his own remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, FNAIE, noted that the compendium will serve as a historic archive and an inspiring testament to Nigeria’s capacity for excellence. According to him, it will also offer an avenue to craft and promote credible narratives about Nigeria and its diverse achievers both at home and in the diaspora.
The convener of the initiative and Chief Executive Officer of OyanaHealth Limited, Jennifer Chinyelu Obiasor, in her address, underscored the importance of the project, themed “Nigeria Celebrates.” She explained that the compendium will recognise and document the lives and accomplishments of 250 Nigerians who are blazing trails in fields such as medicine, business, entertainment, technology, diplomacy, and sports.
Obiasor emphasized that the project will celebrate individuals not just for their fame, but for the substance of their contributions to Nigeria’s progress and global image. She added that the broader goal is to elevate national morale and demonstrate that Nigerian excellence can be found across all walks of life and around the world.
As preparations intensify ahead of the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to honouring citizens whose legacies continue to shape the country’s story and future trajectory.
