Accolade Dynamics Ltd has honored Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Enugu State Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu for their administrations' efforts in governance, infrastructure development, and leadership. The recognition took place at the 6th Accolade Yellow Ball & Awards 2026 held in Abuja.
Governor Alia's Remarks on Security Challenges
Speaking at the event, Governor Alia, represented by former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, stated that the security challenges confronting Benue are not unique to the state. He noted that insecurity has become a national issue affecting several parts of the country. Alia was unable to attend due to pressing national political engagements but considered the award important enough to send a representative. According to Suswam, the recognition reflects the level of commitment and seriousness Alia has brought into governance in Benue State.
Suswam said: “He invited me to join him to receive the award, which I gladly accepted. But when we got here, his colleagues called him because they are attending to serious national political issues. I think the award represents what the governor is doing. It captures it very aptly. He’s doing very well in terms of infrastructure, laying a solid foundation for the younger generation in the state.”
He noted that despite the socio-economic and security challenges facing the country, the Benue governor has continued to work towards building a stable and prosperous state. He added that criminal activities within the state have compounded the security situation, stressing that Alia is doing his best to tackle the crisis.
Suswam further remarked: “The country generally is going through many challenges, and Benue is not an exception. But he’s taking it in his stride, doing what he needs with the support of all Benue citizens and everyone else to create a success story. The security challenges in Benue are not peculiar to the state; they’ve engulfed the entire country. But there are peculiarities, no doubt. We have challenges of herders clashing with farmers, which the governor has been facing and addressing. It’s not easy when combined with criminal activities within the state. While we’re being attacked by herders, there are also criminal elements not helping matters. So far, I’d say the governor is tackling security challenges where they’re coming from. He’s doing his best. When it comes to security, no matter what you do, people will still find faults, but I’ve passed through that route, so I know exactly.”
He expressed confidence that with more support from the Federal Government, insecurity in Benue would be significantly reduced over time.
Accolade Awards: A People-Driven Recognition
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Accolade Dynamics Ltd, Doofan Chizaram Tor, said the awards were designed to celebrate excellence across governance, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, technology, and humanitarian service. She explained that the awards were based on public nominations and voting, making the process transparent and people-driven. She stated: “This is not just Accolade’s decision; it’s a public-decided award for the nation of Nigeria. The public gets to choose, and their voice is heard.”
Minister of Women Affairs Highlights Empowerment Efforts
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the recognition as an indication that the ministry’s efforts toward women empowerment and social development are yielding positive results. She said: “A few days ago, women across Nigeria gathered under the ‘Power of 10 Million’ initiative to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for women, children, families, and vulnerable groups. Women from different political parties, generations, and regions came together in support of policies aimed at advancing women development in the country.”
Honorees and Distinguished Guests
The prestigious event honored distinguished individuals and organizations for their contributions to governance, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, public administration, community development, and social impact across Nigeria and the African continent. Also honored were the First Lady of Enugu State, Nkechinyere Mbah, and the First Lady of Cross River State, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, alongside several distinguished guests from across the country. Among dignitaries present were the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, and the Secretary to the Commission of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Rose Omoa Oriaran-Anthony. Other prominent guests included logistics and trade expert Nduka Udeh; members of the De Imperial Philanthropic Family; senior government officials; business leaders; development advocates; and stakeholders from different sectors of society.
