From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Governors of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and Ebonyi, Dave Umahi were among the 16 governors that received awards for their outstanding performance in delivery of projects that impacted on the lives of citizens.
Others are Governors of Enugu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Imo, Hope Uzodinma; Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule; Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Borno, Babagana Zulum; Cross River, Ben Ayade; Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai; Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Kebbi, Abubakar Bagudu; Ogun, Dapo Abiodun; Kogi, Yahaya Bello, and Adamawa, Fintiri.
President Muhammadu Buhari gave them the awards on Friday, at the maiden edition of Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS), held at the State House Conference Center, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Buhari said public service is a position of trust and all employees must be accountable to the people they serve.
According to him, “public servants must always display attributes of patriotism, loyalty and efficiency.”
Addressing the awardees and their guests, Buhari buttressed the need to be patriotic and efficient in serving humanity and the nation.
He identified corruption, nepotism and political patronage as some of the vices distracting public officials.
Earlier, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said NEAPS is an award that recognizes hard work and purposeful leadership that has contributed to national development.
NEAPS put together by The Best Strategic Media (TBS), in conjunction with the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, is meant to recognise distinguished public service by individuals and organisations. Friday’s event was the maiden edition of the awards.
Forty four individuals and organisations attended the historical event. They included former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, 16 state governors and service chiefs, among others.