Former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has been appointed Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 6th Edition of the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lectures.
The announcement was made by the Board of the lecture series, which was established to celebrate the towering legacy of Nigeria’s first President and nationalist icon, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Since inception, the event has evolved into a forum for intellectual dialogue, civic engagement, and the promotion of values such as unity, patriotism, and African renaissance—principles closely associated with the Great Zik of Africa.
According to the organizers, the choice of Dr. Aliyu reflects the high standards of excellence and foresight that define the annual event. Widely known as the “Chief Servant” during his tenure as governor of Niger State (2007–2015), Aliyu is respected for his visionary leadership, advocacy for national integration, and commitment to good governance. His background as a Federal Permanent Secretary and his academic credentials, including a Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration, position him to steer the forthcoming edition to greater relevance.
As Planning Committee Chairman, Aliyu is expected to provide strategic direction and ensure that the program retains both national and continental importance. He will work with other committee members to attract distinguished speakers, policy experts, and thought leaders who will enrich discussions at the lecture series.
In his acceptance remarks, Aliyu described the appointment as “an honor and a solemn responsibility.” He said:
“Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe remains an enduring symbol of unity, intellect, and patriotism. I am deeply committed to ensuring that this lecture series reflects those ideals while addressing the urgent questions of governance and nation-building facing our country today.”
Director General of the Lectures, Hon. Chineme Onyeke, described Aliyu’s appointment as “a new horizon” for the program. He said the former governor’s wealth of experience and devotion to national ideals will bring “depth, credibility, and vibrancy” to the planning process.
The 6th Edition of the Zik Annual Award Lectures will not only honour the memory of Nigeria’s first President but will also focus on pressing issues such as democratic renewal, national development, and youth empowerment. Organizers noted that the lecture series has, over the years, provided a rare platform where statesmen, policymakers, academics, and civil society leaders come together to debate issues of national and continental significance.
The Board added that under Aliyu’s stewardship, this year’s event is expected to consolidate its reputation as a beacon of intellectual and civic enlightenment. The committee is set to announce the official theme, keynote speaker, and date of the lecture in the coming weeks.
The Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to Aliyu for accepting the role, adding that his leadership will help strengthen the legacy of Dr. Azikiwe as an icon of unity, patriotism, and transformative ideas.
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