The eighth edition of Blueprint Newspaper’s Annual Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards will hold Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Minister of Defence General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.) will deliver the keynote lecture on the theme, “Security Challenges and the Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections.”

The annual event is designed to stimulate national conversations on matters of public importance and recognise outstanding individuals and institutions whose contributions are advancing Nigeria’s development.

This year’s edition will examine the country’s security challenges and their implications for the electoral process as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

Policymakers, security chiefs, political leaders, diplomats, civil society organisations, academics and other stakeholders are expected to participate in discussions on practical measures for guaranteeing peaceful, credible and transparent elections.

Why the Defence Minister was chosen

Managing Director of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Alhaji Salisu Umar, said the choice of the Defence Minister as keynote speaker followed careful consideration of his extensive experience in national security, defence administration and leadership.

He said the minister’s central role in coordinating policies to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges placed him in a strong position to provide informed perspectives on the relationship between national security and the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.

According to him, General Musa’s experience in overseeing military operations, inter-agency cooperation and defence policy would enrich discussions on protecting Nigeria’s electoral system.

Umar said the lecture would examine emerging threats capable of undermining elections, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism, cyber threats, misinformation, political violence and attacks on electoral infrastructure.

He said attention would also be given to the responsibilities of security agencies in protecting voters, electoral officials, facilities and materials while maintaining professionalism, neutrality and respect for the rule of law throughout the electoral cycle.

He said the gathering would provide an opportunity for participants to propose practical measures to strengthen cooperation among security agencies, electoral institutions, political actors, and citizens.

Umar expressed confidence that the Defence Minister’s insights would deepen public understanding of the security measures required for peaceful elections and reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes.

He said the theme reflected growing national concern over the need to ensure that security arrangements support electoral integrity, constitutional order and democratic governance.

The managing director said the recipients of the 2025 awards were selected on the strength of their professional achievements, leadership records and positive impact in their respective fields.

According to him, the honourees have distinguished themselves in public administration, political leadership, business, energy, finance, education, technology, entrepreneurship, humanitarian intervention, sports, youth development and national security.

Umar said Nigeria’s progress depended substantially on individuals and institutions willing to accept responsibility, solve problems and create opportunities for others.

He said the diversity of the recipients demonstrated the complementary roles of the public and private sectors in building a stronger and more prosperous country.

The recognition, he added, would encourage those making valuable contributions to national development and provide worthy examples for younger Nigerians aspiring to leadership and professional excellence.

Umar reaffirmed the newspaper’s commitment to identifying and celebrating deserving individuals and institutions, irrespective of their political, professional or institutional affiliations.

Yilwatda leads list of recipients

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, will receive the Person of the Year Award for his leadership and contributions to public affairs.

Enugu state governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah will receive the Politician of the Year Award for Fiscal Responsibility and Digital Transformation. He is being honoured for initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth, improving public service delivery and positioning Enugu as an emerging centre of innovation and digital development.

Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu will receive the Good Governance and Institutional Renewal Award for strengthening public institutions, improving administrative efficiency, and pursuing reforms aimed at transparency and sustainable development.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal will receive the Efficient Public Resource Management and Transparency Award for prudent management of public funds, fiscal accountability and transparent governance.

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas will be honoured with the Inclusive Development and Social Integration Award for initiatives aimed at expanding access to education, strengthening public participation and promoting social cohesion.

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi will receive the Fiscal Discipline and Agricultural Transformation Award for combining prudent financial management with agricultural reforms designed to increase productivity, improve rural livelihoods and stimulate economic growth.

Cross River state Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, will receive the Economic Revitalisation Award for reforms, investment promotion, and renewed attention to tourism, infrastructure, and enterprise development.

Former Governor of Bauchi state, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, will receive the Statesmanship and Democratic Leadership Award in recognition of his distinguished career in Nigeria’s public space, significant contributions to democratic governance and exemplary service to Bauchi State.

Yari, Faleke honoured for legislative leadership

Former Zamfara State Governor and serving senator, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, will receive the Legislative Excellence and Political Dexterity Award.

He is being recognised for his political leadership, legislative engagement, consensus-building ability and experience in executive and legislative responsibilities.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. James Faleke, will receive the Effective Public Finance Oversight Award for his contribution to legislative scrutiny, fiscal responsibility and accountability in the management of public resources.

Ojulari, Cardoso, Umeoji receive corporate honours

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari will receive the Corporate Leadership Award for his contributions to operational excellence, energy security, and business transformation.

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, will receive the Financial Sustainability and Regulatory Oversight Award for reforms directed at strengthening financial stability, restoring confidence in the financial system and reinforcing regulatory supervision.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, will receive the 2025 Bank CEO of the Year Award.

She is being recognised for leadership, innovation and customer-focused banking services that have contributed to Zenith Bank’s growth and competitiveness. The honour also celebrates female leadership and the banking industry’s contribution to economic development.

Shehu, Umar, Adedokun recognised for reforms

Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, will receive the Fiscal Governance Reformer of the Year Award.

He is being honoured for reforms aimed at improving transparency, promoting equitable revenue distribution and strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal governance system.

Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, will receive the Responsive Humanitarian Leadership Award for strengthening disaster preparedness, emergency response and humanitarian intervention.

Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale A. Adedokun, will receive the Public Procurement Reformer Award for advancing transparency, accountability, integrity and value for money in government procurement.

Digital innovation and industrial development

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Professor Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju, will receive the Enhanced Digital Infrastructure Award for expanding secure infrastructure that supports government efficiency, connectivity, and Nigeria’s digital economy.

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, will receive the CEO of the Year Award.

He is being recognised for repositioning NASENI as a major driver of innovation, indigenous technology, industrial development and local manufacturing.

The Registrar-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)will receive theCorporate Governance and Regulatory Reforms award in recognition of his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to strengthening corporate governance, modernising business registration and advancing regulatory reforms at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

OPay will receive the Fintech Innovation and Mass Market Impact Award for expanding access to digital financial services and payment solutions across Nigeria.

Sports and youth development

Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Hon. Comrade Philip Shuaibu, will receive the Sports Personality of the Year Award for his commitment to sports development, athlete empowerment and institutional advancement.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, will receive the Football Infrastructure Icon of the Year Award for promoting infrastructure development and institutional reforms to strengthen Nigerian football.

Managing Director of Niger Resources Limited, Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu, will receive the Building Legacy for Youth Development Award.

He is being recognised for investments in education, entrepreneurship and initiatives that empower young Nigerians, develop talent and widen access to opportunities.

Tantita honoured for security surveillance

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited will receive the Outstanding Security Surveillance Award for its contribution to the protection of critical national assets through surveillance, technology and operational support.