Preparations have been concluded for the Global Achievers Award (GAA) 2026, with an impressive list of distinguished Nigerians set to be honoured for their outstanding contributions to governance, public service, law, politics, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service and national development.
The prestigious ceremony, themed “Honouring Impact, Elevating the Future,” will hold on Saturday, 1 August 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, beginning at 6.00 p.m. The event is organised by Moj Entertainment Nig. Limited in collaboration with the Yala Achievers and Development Initiative (YADI) and is proudly powered by Doppel Homes Limited.
Leading the distinguished personalities is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, who will attend as the Special Guest of Honour and will be decorated with the prestigious Man of the Year Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership, transformational public service and immense contributions to national development.
Also among the foremost recipients is the Minister of Works, His Excellency Senator David Umahi, who has been nominated for the Best Performing Minister of the Year Award in recognition of his visionary leadership, infrastructural drive and remarkable contributions to the transformation of Nigeria’s road and works sector.
Another top notch recipients is the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, who has been nominated for the Most Outstanding Deputy Governor of the Year Award. His recognition reflects his humility, loyalty, administrative competence and unwavering commitment to supporting Governor Bassey Otu’s People First administration and advancing the development of Cross River State.
A major highlight of the evening will be the conferment of the Lifetime Achievement in Law and Governance Award on one of Nigeria’s most respected legal minds, Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, CON. The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is being honoured for decades of exceptional service to the nation, his immense contributions to constitutional law, ethical governance, legal mentorship, philanthropy and justice sector reforms. Having recently celebrated his 80th birthday, Chief Agabi’s remarkable career continues to inspire generations of legal practitioners and public servants.
The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, will receive the Iconic Legislator of the Decade Award in recognition of his outstanding legislative performance, effective representation and sustained advocacy for the welfare and development of his constituents. His nomination acknowledges his growing influence as one of the most impactful lawmakers in Nigeria’s 10th Senate.
Equally recognised is the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Chief Dr Emmanuel Ironbar, who has been nominated for the Chief of Staff of the Year Award. Widely regarded as the strategic engine room of the Cross River State Government, Dr Ironbar is being honoured for his disciplined coordination of government activities, exceptional administrative leadership and steadfast loyalty to the People’s First administration.
The ceremony will also celebrate several other distinguished Nigerians whose contributions continue to shape their respective fields.
Among them is Hon. Oden Ibiang Ewa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Candidate for Cross River Central, who will receive the Emerging Politician of the Year Award in recognition of his rising political profile and growing influence.
Evangelist Michael Asuquo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Faithplant Global International Services Limited, has been nominated for the Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his remarkable achievements in business, humanitarian service and youth empowerment.
The faith community will equally celebrate the recognition of Reverend Ezekiel Bwede Dachomo, Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, who has been nominated for the Clergy Man of the Year Award. The award acknowledges his unwavering commitment to the Christian faith, courageous advocacy for vulnerable communities, promotion of peace and reconciliation, and sustained humanitarian interventions in conflict-affected areas of Plateau State.
The event will also feature Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, MFR, CON, former Minority Leader of the 9th Senate, as Chairman of the Occasion, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nimpat Group, Ambassador Dr Nimi Briggs, will receive the Female Industrialist of the Year Award for her outstanding achievements in business, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Yala Achievers and Development Initiative (YADI) and Moj Entertainment Nig. Limited, Mr Jacob Odey, popularly known as “Odey the Uncommon Comedian,” described the Global Achievers Award as a platform established to celebrate exceptional individuals whose leadership, innovation, integrity and selfless service continue to inspire national development.
According to him, “The Global Achievers Award is more than an award ceremony; it is a celebration of excellence, resilience and selfless service. Through this initiative, we seek to honour men and women whose contributions have positively impacted communities, institutions and the nation. By celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire younger generations to embrace hard work, integrity, innovation and purposeful leadership.”
He noted that this year’s theme, “Honouring Impact, Elevating the Future,” reflects the organisers’ commitment to recognising excellence while promoting a culture of nation-building, transparency and sustainable development.
The Global Achievers Award 2026 is expected to attract an array of eminent personalities from government, the legislature, the judiciary, business, diplomacy, the clergy, entertainment and the private sector. The ceremony will feature award presentations, goodwill messages, cultural performances, entertainment and high-level networking opportunities, reinforcing the importance of recognising individuals whose outstanding contributions continue to transform lives and advance Nigeria’s development.
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