The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has officially announced the call for nominations for the ninth edition of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA 2026). These awards, established in memory of the late Gani Fawehinmi, a renowned human rights activist and legal icon, are designed to recognize individuals who exhibit outstanding integrity and have made significant contributions to the betterment of society.
Nomination Period and Process
According to HEDA, the nomination period for GFIIA 2024 begins on Monday, May 25, 2026, and will remain open until Sunday, July 19, 2026. Following this, a two-week phase will be dedicated to collation, shortlisting, and feedback from the awards board. This process is scheduled to conclude on August 3, 2026. Subsequently, public voting will take place from Monday, August 24, to Friday, October 16, 2026. The awards presentation ceremony is set for December 10, 2026.
Awards Board
The awards board is chaired by Professor Itse Sagay and co-chaired by Professor Ayo Atsenua. The board includes distinguished members such as Femi Falana (SAN), Femi Aborisade, Professor Nsogorua Udombana, Dr. Abiola Akiode-Afolabi, Achike Achude, and Olarenwaju Suraju. These individuals are committed to honoring those who exemplify integrity and have made remarkable contributions to society.
Commitment to Integrity
HEDA's Chairman, Olarenwaju Suraju, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to celebrating individuals who embody the values championed by Gani Fawehinmi. The awards aim to honor those who, despite the temptations of corruption and unethical practices, choose a path of transparency, honesty, and integrity.
Award Categories
The Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards feature four distinct categories to encourage public participation:
- Outstanding Integrity Award
- Outstanding Impact Award
- Valuable Whistle-blower Award
- Nigerians in Diaspora Integrity Ambassador Award
To nominate deserving individuals for GFIIA 2026, the public is encouraged to visit the official nomination portal at www.gfa.hedang.org. HEDA emphasized that it remains committed to upholding the legacy of Gani Fawehinmi by promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria.
