Susan Abayomi
The Chief Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Mr Christian Aburime, has received the National Excellence Award in Strategic Communication and Public Service at the 10th National Leadership Integrity and Development Summit and Awards 2026.
The award was presented at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, during the summit organised by the Centre for Ethical Conduct Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE), in partnership with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.
The event was held as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and featured the theme, “Making Nigeria Work Through Trusted Leadership, Working Institutions, Economic Growth, Sustainable Development and National Security.”
Aburime, who was unable to attend the event personally, was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Productions, Mr Ejike Abana. He dedicated the recognition to Governor Soludo and the people of Anambra State.
The award recognised Aburime’s contributions to strategic communication and public service, particularly his role in communicating the policies, programmes and development agenda of the Soludo administration.
The summit also featured keynote presentations and panel discussions focused on leadership, institutional effectiveness, accountability and sustainable national development.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of CECOE, Dr Owah David, said making Nigeria work requires deliberate action and a collective commitment to the ideals upon which the country was founded.
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr Rabiu Olowo, stressed the importance of developing strong institutions alongside capable leadership. He noted that sustainable development should ultimately result in measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Co-Chairman of the event, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, highlighted the shared responsibility of leaders, institutions and citizens in advancing national development.
Abejide also commended the economic reforms being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the removal of subsidy and the reallocation of resources towards productive sectors. He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects for increased manufacturing activities and foreign direct investment.
