When Hallmarks Foundation rewarded character, integrity
To recognise and celebrate individuals whose characters and achievements have made great impact on society, the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (HLF) held the Role Model Awards on Saturday, April 20, at the Grand Balloon Hall of Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos, during its 27th anniversary. IBRAHIM ADAM reports.
For hours on Saturday, April 20, guests from far and near joined members of the Hallmark of Labour Foundation Lagos to honour and celebrate distinguished individuals who have made positive marks in the development of society.
The assemblage of men and women whose quality of life and ability to affect the lives of others positively made the event at the Grand Balloon Hall of Lagos Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island Lagos, the venue of the event, an exciting one. The weather was mild as the sun shone brightly out of the azure sky.
Call it a hallmark event, a mega event or a special event, one may not be wrong. It was the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation’s 27th-anniversary celebration and Role Model Awards where guests from far and wide and from diverse backgrounds gathered to celebrate some of Nigeria’s finest personages, including directors of various ministries, industry titans, academics, serving and former ministers, and many more.
The guests came in their diverse native attires, each showcasing the rich cultural fabric of their regions as they drove in on their exotic cars. The atmosphere outside the Grand Balloon Hall at Lagos Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island was abuzz with excitement and elegance as guests exchanged pleasantries.
Inside the hall, it was a show of glamour and opulence. The decor theme of gold and white created a sense of sophistication and charm. The over 20 roundtables were adorned with intricate designs to match those of the hall. The 15 hanging chandeliers gave the hall more alluring brightness, adding great panache to the setting.
The event began earnestly as the Students Orchestra of the Musical Society of Nigeria welcomed the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation Board of Trustees and award recipients, who proceeded in a dignified procession towards the front stage. They were led by the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
Having listened to the appeal of the National Anthem to “Arise Oh Compatriots…,” the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Moji Adeyeye and Mohammad Yahaya Kuta, a Professor of Agricultural and Forestry at the University of Ibadan handed the event and audience to God for protection.
The event’s Chairman, Chief Anyaoku, said good values, which are in short supply in the country, are essential for her cohesion.
The 91-year-old Chief Anyaoku who emphasised the need for hard work and integrity said there was nothing such as examination malpractices and certificate forgery during his youthful days compared to what is obtainable currently.
He described the award recipients as citizens whose characters and achievements have made them role models for the up-and-coming generations.
He al so described the Foundation as the country’s most respected not-for-profit organisation because of its remarkable impact on people and society.
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“I am delighted to welcome you all to this celebration of the 27th anniversary of the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (HLF) and Awards to our citizens whose character and achievements have made them role models for our young and up-and-coming Nigerians.
“HLF founded 27 years ago and driven by its indefatigable Executive Secretary, Patricia Otuedon-Arawore has, without any doubt, become one of Nigeria’s highly respected not-for-profit organisations because of its remarkable work.
“The crux of its activities embraces a unique service to our young generation by identifying and honouring citizens who, by their character and careers, are considered to be role models for our young people.
“In the Nigerian society of today where ethical values have generally disappeared, the significance of recognising and honouring individuals whose characters and achievements are worth emulating by our young people cannot be overstated.
“In my young days, we were taught that success both in academics and every other undertaking came only from hard work; that integrity and character were the most important personal possessions, as was succinctly expressed by the American Evangelist, Billy Graham who said ‘when wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; but when character is lost, everything is lost.’
“For example, in those days, conducts such as examination malpractice, forgery of educational certificates and many other fraudulent activities reported daily in our media were virtually non-existent. There was no place then like today’s Oluwole Street in Lagos,” he said.
Chief Anyaoku urged the guests to stand in memory of former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, the late Prof. Nimi Briggs who passed on in April 2023; founder of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and philanthropist, the late Otunba Subomi Balogun who died in May 2023; former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the late Prof. Joe Irukwu in July 2023; Prof. Umaru Shehu who died in October 2023 and former Minister of Science and Technology, the late Ogbonnaya Onu who passed on this month at 72. The former Commonwealth Secretary-General described them as role models worthy of emulation.
The Executive Secretary of Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, Patricia Otuedon-Arawore who adorned a wine-coloured gown, urged Nigerians to join hands in building a country of their dreams.
She said it is time to stop the blame game, saying the values passed to the younger generation will impact significantly the future of the country.
She also described the award recipients as great Nigerians who have demonstrated nobility, hard work and integrity, as well as making a positive impact on society.
She said: “These many years of its existence have not been without challenges. However, the Foundation remained determined in its resolve that our country is a great one. Hence, we are gathered here again to celebrate another set of Nigerians who can match their counterparts elsewhere in the world.
“Every country has its share of men and women of note, who have made their marks and left their footprints on the sands of time. However, their achievements are not always adequately celebrated or chronicled.
“We, at the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation believe that this should not be so. Rather, there should be a Roll of Honour of great achievers who, in their areas of speciality, have done Nigeria proud and become veritable role models for our young and future generations.
“We remain firm believers that Nigeria will continue to rise and take its rightful place among the comity of nations and the signs abound. We are blessed with abundant natural as well as human resources. It is time for us all to stop blaming everyone else but ourselves.
“We should begin to apply ourselves as parents, guardians, teachers and leaders by the values we pass on to our children and wards. Our dedication to our duties, to our people and country, public and private sector, work-places; executive, legislature and judiciary, academia, and commerce and industry, among others, will impact significantly on what our country becomes in future. We should all join hands to help in building the Nigeria of our dreams.
“This is a task for us all, as we have no other country to call ours. The lessons of history are profound. The celebration of these great Nigerians today demonstrates that Nigeria is a reservoir of noble men and women, who, by dint of hard work and integrity, have made their marks in their fields of endeavours and with a positive impact on the wider society.
“To date, the Foundation has identified and presented 90 role models with exemplary achievements. We hope that our younger generations will emulate them for the benefit of a greater Nigeria.”
On the award recipients, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu emphasised that Nigeria has world-class citizens who the up-and-coming generations can emulate.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is exciting and refreshing. It’s not every time that you get to see Nigerians coming together to honour distinguished people who have contributed so much to society in their various professions. These are people who are, indeed, role models for young generations to emulate.
“From what has happened tonight, it is obvious that Nigeria is blessed with countless number of stars. Nigeria is full of world-class citizens, Nigeria is full of people that you can look at and say, indeed, the country has a push-up, the country is progressing.
“It is a night for people who have distinguished themselves and gotten to the maximum periods of their professions. I congratulate them and the organisers. What the Foundation has done shows seriousness, it shows steadfastness and this character is what Lagos is known for. So, we share the same ideas and those things that can make humanity to be better.”
Some eminent Nigerians delivered the citations of the award recipients as they took turns to receive their awards.
A specialist in medical research, practice and teaching, Prof. Christian Happi was the first to receive the Role Model Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Science; the next was an accomplished scientist, teacher and administrator, and specialist in Quantitative Genetics and Animal Breeding, Prof. Baba Yusuf Abubakar who received an award for Outstanding Contributions to Research, Innovation while a well-rounded teacher, mentor, author and administrator, Prof. Jibrila Dahiru Amin received the Umar Shehu Life-Time Achievement Award for Consistent Advocacy for Positive Change within the university system.
A historian, teacher, author, and administrator, Emeritus Prof. Akinjide Osuntokun received the Role Model for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Education; a former Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai received the Role Model Award for the Girl-Child, while a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia received the Role Model Award for Excellence in Leadership and Good Governance.
A foundation member of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Louis Nnamdi Mbanefo (SAN) received Life-Time Achievement Award for Exemplary and Courageous Service to the Advancement of the Legal Service; a respected Chartered Accountant, prolific writer and philanthropist, Bashorun Jaiye Kofolaran Randle received the Role Model Award for Outstanding Contributions to Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance, while an accomplished media practitioner, teacher and university administrator, Prof. Umar Pate received the Christopher Kolade Award for Excellence in Leadership and Professionalism in the Media.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama received the Emeka Anyaoku Life-Time Achievement Award for Nigeria’s Outstanding International Icon; while a distinguished clinician, teacher, and mentor, Prof. Adesola Ogunniyi and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate both received the Role Model Award for Outstanding Contributions in the field of Medicine.
Lumen Christi International High School, Uromi, Edo State received the Young Achievers Award as the best-performing school in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Lumen Christi International High School is a missionary school established on October 5, 1985, by the former Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Patrick Ebosele Ekpu.
The Vice Head Teacher of the school, Rev. Fr. Jude Otangbe stated that the school is committed to integrity and will keep up its standards.
“The award is an additional academic accomplishment. It will lift our spirits and motivate us to push harder for more greatness. We will not relax, as we will continue to uphold our standards and ensure that they are not compromised.
“Teachers and members of the administrative staff worked together to accomplish this success. Our 2023 result is better than prior years, and we expect to score well in the 2024 examination and in the years to come,” he said.
Prof. Ali Pate told The Nation that the honour serves as motivation to make greater contributions to society.
“It’s a great honour for those of us who received awards. I hope that the direction and the spirit of the award will be appreciated. I also hope that it will create an alternative narrative for us all to be role models for the younger ones, to know that character matters.
“Integrity matters a lot and people must understand that Nigeria is a great country. And for us as leaders, in whatever capacity that we find ourselves, we have to exemplify all those values that will make Nigeria achieve even higher levels of greatness and those levels to endure over time. So, it’s a humbling moment for me but also an encouragement to continue to do more,” he said.
Henry Ajumogobia noted that perseverance and hard work pay off.
“It is gratifying when you served in public office and many years ago you assumed that you’ve been forgotten. It is nice of the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation to recognise and reward one for whatever contribution one has made to improve humankind.
“I want the younger generations to know that hard work, integrity and resilience have their rewards. There is a tendency in this country for people to be in a hurry trying to make quick money. With this event, we can see that hard work is being recognised. Wealth itself is neither here nor there but it’s the character behind it that is important,” he said.
Geoffrey Onyeama said: “I feel honoured and humbled by the award. Everything is about hard work and there is no substitute or shortcut to that. It is always hard work. With hard work and integrity, everything is possible. Everything should not always be about money but it should be about principle, integrity and hard work.”
Louis Mbanefo also said: “It is a huge honour to me and I appreciate it that much. For the younger generations, I will say work hard, work hard and work hard.”
Dignitaries at the event were Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, rep resented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso; Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Moji Adeyeye; the Chairman of The Nation Editorial Board, Sam Omatseye and Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
Others were former Minister of Petroleum Resources and President of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Izoma Philip Asiodu; human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN); President of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), Prof. Ekanem Braide; eminent Professor of law, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN); former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Prof. Sulaiman Bogoro and the Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr John Momoh, among others.