9th Benin National Merit Award, 29th December 2014
The organic essence behind the convocation of the Benin National Merit Award as an intellectual property of the Benin National Congress Incorporated; is essentially to propagate and strengthen the reward system of Edo people and Nigerians, in such a way that will stimulate the consciousness of – 1. Regards for dignity of labor, and self-esteem in our youths; 2. Entrench values of patriotism and community service on our people across the social spectrum; and 3. Enhance the values of our cherished customs and heritage.
It is based on the massive entries of nomination and endorsements by well-meaning members of the public in favor of these years’ recipients, namely – Dr. Osagie Obayuwana (Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Edo State); Prof. Sen. Osariemen Osunbor (former Governor of Edo State); Prof. Eddy Eragbe –(Orator, University of Benin); Mr. Folurunsho Adebanjo – (Commissioner of Police, Edo State); Prof. Victor Edosa Omozuwa (Dean of Students, University of Benin); and Prof. Michael Ibadin – Chief Medical Director, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. This year’s recipients were painstakingly selected for investiture of this great honor in recognition of their steeling leadership qualities to critical sectors and Edo State and Nigeria’s development.
The theme this year’s award is “honoring ingenuity as a critical factor in mitigating and resolving Nigeria’s security and economic impasse”. This theme was meticulously adopted by the award planning committee because of Nigeria’s fragile political scenario occasioned by many shapes and dimensions of insurgency; as well as depressing state of our economy. As a socio-cultural and non-partisan organization, we owe it a duty to Nigerians to contribute our quota to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political stability; because it’s the only country that we profess our existence. This year’s lecture will be delivered by two renowned scholars and distinguished members of Edo intelligentsia community namely – Brig. General Patrick Eghosa Onaghise Retired; and Prof. Michael Ibadin.
Past recipients of the award include Prof. Denis Agbonlahor – Distinguished Academic Service Award 2005
Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon – Legislator of the year 2005
Dr. Princess Mrs. Catherine Oronsaye- Philanthropist of the years 2006
Capt. Dr. hosa Okunbo JP- Grand Commander of Edo Youths Award 2006
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole- Apostle of Good Governance Award 2006
Mr. Sam Amuka Pemu- Indefatigable Newspaper Practitioner of the year 2007
Mr. Solomon Edebiri MON JP- Apostle of Good Governance Award 2007
Prof. Eghosa Osaghae- Distinguished Academic Service Award 2007
Dr. Chris Ogiemwonyi – Distinguished Public Service Award 2007
Mrs. Ifueko-Omoigui Okaeru- Strategic Public Service Award 2007
Mr. Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP- Patriotic Service Award 2007
Mr. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen- Benin Culture Promoter Award 2007
Her Excellency Mrs. Esohe Enobakhare Mark – Philanthropist of the year 2008
Hon. Samson Osagie- Patriotic Legislative Service Award- 2008
Hon. Ifaluyi Isibor- Distinguished Public Service Award- 2008
Princess Orobosa Obaseki Agba- Distinguished Industry Award 2008
Prof. Osayuki Godwin Oshodin- Distinguished Academic Service Award 2008
Mr. Sam Loco Efe- Nigerian Movies Actor of the Year 2008
Mr. Odaro Ize-Omoregie – Distinguished Diaspora Relations Award 2008
Sen. Ehigie Uzamere- Distinguished Patriotic Service Award 2009
Mr.Segun Daudu- Distinguished Diaspora Relations Award 2009
Mr. Osazee Odemwingie- Nigeria Football Athlete Award 2009
Dr. Victor Ogiemwonyi – Corporate Integrity Award 2009
Mr. Nduka Obaigbena- Distinguished Newspaper Practitioner Award 2010
His Excellency- Babatunde Fashola- Good Governance Award 2010
Prof. Friday Okonofua- Distinguished Academic Service Award 2012
Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen- Distinguished Community Service Award 2012
Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye- Excellent Public Service Award 2012
Leadership Newspaper –Distinguished Corporate Brand of the Year 2012
Egnr. Dr. F. Uwuorioya – Distinguished Public Service Award 2013
Egnr. Dr. Frederick Ogbeide- Distinguished Corporate Service Award 2013
This year’s ceremony poised to make a meaningful impact in the reward system of our people. Attendance is strictly by invitation.
Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo – Chairman, Local Organizing Committee.