The Managing Director of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar, has explained the rationale behind the decision to honour five state governors, saying the recipients distinguished themselves through visible achievements in governance, prudent management of public resources and people-centred development.

The governors are Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu state, Agbu Kefas of Taraba state, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto state and Umar Namadi of Jigawa state.

The governors will receive the awards during the forthcoming annual Blueprint Newspaper’s Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards ceremony scheduled for August 18, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

He said the awards were the outcome of a rigorous assessment of public office holders and institutions across the country, with emphasis placed on performance, accountability, innovation and tangible impact on the lives of citizens.

According to him, the annual awards were instituted to recognise exemplary leadership and encourage healthy competition among public officials in the delivery of democratic dividends.

He said the newspaper remains committed to celebrating excellence and showcasing leaders whose policies and programmes have contributed to sustainable development and strengthened public confidence in governance.

Governor Mbah will receive the Politician of the Year (Fiscal Responsibility and Digital Transformation of Enugu State) award in recognition of reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal management, expanding digital governance and improving public service delivery.

Governor Lawal is to be honoured with the Efficient Public Resource Management and Transparency award for initiatives that have promoted accountability, prudent utilisation of government resources and greater openness in public administration.

Governor Kefas will receive the Inclusive Development and Social Integration award for programmes designed to promote unity, expand access to social services and ensure that development reaches diverse communities across the state.

Governor Alyu has been selected for the Good Governance and Institutional Renewal award in recognition of efforts to strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery and enhance the effectiveness of government.

Governor Namadi will be honoured with the Fiscal Discipline and Agriculture Transformation award for policies that have combined prudent financial management with investments aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and rural economic development.

Umar said each of the award categories shows specific areas in which the governors have demonstrated leadership and delivered results that have attracted national attention.

He added that the awards are not intended to celebrate individual accomplishments but to encourage public office holders to sustain reforms that improve governance and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.

“The Blueprint Impact Series and Awards recognise excellence in leadership, innovation and service. We believe that acknowledging outstanding performance encourages a culture of accountability and inspires others in public service to strive for higher standards,” he said.

The managing director disclosed that the event will attract senior government officials, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, policymakers, civil society organisations and other distinguished guests from across the country.

He expressed confidence that the ceremony would provide another opportunity to celebrate individuals and institutions whose contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s development and strengthen democratic governance.

About the awardees

Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a lawyer, entrepreneur and Governor of Enugu State. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, he has pursued an ambitious reform agenda focused on fiscal responsibility, digital transformation, infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and economic growth. His administration is driven by the vision of making Enugu a leading destination for investment, technology, commerce and tourism under the slogan #TomorrowIsHere.

A maritime lawyer with executive training from Oxford, Harvard, Lagos Business School and the University of Navarra, Mbah built a successful career as founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited before entering politics. He previously served as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State, bringing extensive experience in public finance and governance.

His government has prioritised smart schools, technology-driven security, primary healthcare, road infrastructure, urban renewal and investment promotion, while maintaining a strong focus on accountability, measurable performance and institutional efficiency. Through the Peter Mbah Foundation, he has also supported education, healthcare and community development.

Dauda Lawal

Dr Dauda Lawal is a banker, public administrator and Governor of Zamfara State. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, he has focused on restoring public confidence through transparent governance, prudent financial management, improved security, infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare and economic development.

Before politics, Lawal enjoyed a distinguished banking career spanning nearly two decades at First Bank of Nigeria, rising to Executive Director, Public Sector (Northern Region). He also served in Nigeria’s diplomatic service and completed executive programmes at Harvard Business School, Oxford University, the London School of Economics and Lagos Business School.

His administration has strengthened fiscal discipline, promoted accountability in public spending, rehabilitated infrastructure, expanded access to education and healthcare, and encouraged investment in agriculture, mining and commerce. His governance style reflects his strong background in finance, strategic planning and institutional leadership.

Agbu Kefas

Dr Agbu Kefas is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, public administrator and Governor of Taraba State. Since taking office on May 29, 2023, he has championed reforms centred on education, security, infrastructure, agriculture and inclusive development.

A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy with advanced degrees in criminology, public administration and security studies, Kefas served for 21 years in the Nigerian Army before holding strategic public appointments, including Chairman of the Governing Board of NIMASA and member of the Presidential Committee on the North-East Initiative.

His administration is best known for declaring a state of emergency in education, introducing free basic and secondary education, reducing tuition in state-owned tertiary institutions, improving road infrastructure, strengthening rural security and launching the Taraba Geographic Information System (TAGIS) to modernise land administration and public service delivery.

Ahmad Aliyu

Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto is an accountant, public administrator and Governor of Sokoto State. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, he has pursued reforms aimed at strengthening institutions, improving infrastructure, expanding education and healthcare, promoting agriculture and enhancing public sector accountability.

A seasoned financial administrator, he previously served as Commissioner, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund. His career in public finance has shaped a governance philosophy built on prudent resource management, transparency and efficient service delivery.

His administration has prioritised road construction, water supply, healthcare, school improvement, agricultural development and rural infrastructure while promoting fiscal discipline, economic growth and inclusive development across Sokoto State.

Umar Namadi

Malam Umar Namadi is an accountant, entrepreneur and governor of Jigawa state whose administration is recognised for fiscal discipline and agricultural transformation. A graduate of Bayero University, Kano, he built a distinguished career across auditing, finance, the Dangote Group, the National Health Insurance Scheme and private enterprise before entering politics.

As Commissioner for Finance, he pioneered major financial reforms, including implementing the Treasury Single Account (TSA), improving transparency and streamlining public financial management. He later served as Deputy Governor before being elected governor on the platform of the APC.

Beyond public service, Namadi established Jigawa’s first private rice milling company, introduced an out-grower farming scheme that boosted agricultural productivity, and founded an educational initiative supporting thousands of underprivileged students. His administration continues to prioritise prudent financial management, agricultural development, job creation and inclusive economic growth.