The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retired), will Tuesday, August 18, 2026, deliver the keynote lecture on the theme, “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections,” at the eighth edition of Blueprint Newspapers’ Annual Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The annual event is designed to stimulate national conversations on issues of public importance while recognising outstanding individuals and institutions whose contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s development.

This year’s edition will focus on the country’s security challenges and the implications of its electoral process as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.

The lecture is expected to bring together policymakers, security chiefs, political leaders, diplomats, civil society organisations, members of the academic community and other stakeholders to deliberate on practical measures for guaranteeing peaceful, credible and transparent elections.

Managing Director of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar, in a statement, said the choice of the defence minister followed careful consideration of his extensive experience in national security, strategic leadership and defence administration as well as his central role in coordinating policies aimed at addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

He said the minister’s wealth of experience in overseeing military operations, inter-agency collaboration and defence policy places him in a unique position to provide informed perspectives on the relationship between national security and the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

According to him,  the lecture is expected to examine emerging security threats capable of undermining electoral processes, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism, cyber threats, misinformation, political violence and attacks on electoral infrastructure.

He further said the lecture will also explore the responsibilities of security agencies in protecting voters, electoral officials and election materials while ensuring professionalism, neutrality and respect for the rule of law throughout the electoral cycle.

The Blueprint’s CEO said beyond identifying challenges, the lecture will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss practical recommendations for strengthening cooperation among security agencies, electoral institutions, political actors and citizens in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

He expressed confidence that the guest speaker’s insights would contribute meaningfully to public understanding of the measures required to guarantee peaceful elections and reinforce public confidence in the country’s democratic processes.

Umar also said the theme of the lecture reflects growing national interest in ensuring that security arrangements complement electoral integrity and democratic governance, particularly as the nation continues efforts to consolidate its democratic institutions.

Anyim chairs event

He said former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, would chair the occasion.

According to him, the choice of Anyim as chairman of the occasion adds significant weight to the annual gathering, which has become a platform for examining important issues of national development, while recognising Nigerians and institutions that have distinguished themselves through impactful contributions to society.

He said as a former presiding officer of the National Assembly, Anyim would bring to the occasion extensive experience in legislative affairs, public administration and national governance.

His participation would enrich the occasion with perspectives drawn from decades of engagement with Nigeria’s political and administrative processes.

Umar described the recipients of this year’s honours as “shining lights” whose contributions across the public and private sectors are helping to advance Nigeria’s development.

He said the awardees were selected in recognition of their outstanding contributions, professional accomplishments and positive impact in their respective fields.

The awardees, he said, had distinguished themselves in different areas of national life, including public administration, business, energy, finance, education, entrepreneurship and other sectors critical to Nigeria’s economic and social development.

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

He said the diversity of the awardees reflected the important role played by the public and private sectors in building a stronger and more prosperous country.

The statement said the recognition was important because it encouraged people who were making positive contributions while also providing examples for others, particularly younger Nigerians aspiring to leadership and professional excellence.

He said the newspaper remained committed to identifying and celebrating individuals whose achievements deserved national attention, irrespective of their political, professional or institutional affiliations.

The 2025 awardees were selected across a wide range of fields, with the honours covering public administration, political leadership, fiscal management, banking, energy, technology, procurement, humanitarian intervention, sports, youth development, financial technology and national security. The recipients are:

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, emerges as the recipient of the Person of the Year Award. A technocrat and political leader of note, Yilwatda is being recognised for his leadership and contributions to public affairs.

Governor Peter Mbah

Enugu state Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah receives the Politician of the Year Award for Fiscal Responsibility and Digital Transformation of Enugu state.

He is being recognised for initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth, improving public service delivery and positioning Enugu as an emerging centre for innovation and digital development.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu

Sokoto state Governor Ahmad Aliyu receives the Good Governance and Institutional Renewal Award. He is recognised for efforts to strengthen public institutions, improve administrative efficiency and enhance confidence in government through reforms targeted at transparency and sustainable development. The honour acknowledges the importance of institutional capacity in delivering effective governance at the state level.

Governor Dauda Lawal

Zamfara state Governor Dauda Lawal is the recipient of the Efficient Public Resource Management and Transparency Award. He is recognised for prudent management of public resources, fiscal accountability and efforts to promote transparent governance in Zamfara state. The award emphasises responsible stewardship of public resources and the connection between fiscal discipline and inclusive development.

Governor Agbu Kefas

Taraba state Governor Agbu Kefas receives the Inclusive Development and Social Integration Award. He is being recognised for initiatives aimed at broadening access to education, strengthening community participation and promoting social cohesion across Taraba State.

Governor Umar Namadi

Jigawa state Governor Umar Namadi receives the Fiscal Discipline and Agriculture Transformation Award. He is recognised for combining prudent fiscal management with agricultural reforms designed to increase productivity, improve rural livelihoods and stimulate economic growth.

Agriculture remains central to Jigawa’s economy, making the award particularly significant in the context of food production, rural development and economic diversification.

Governor Bassey Otu

Cross River state Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu gets  the Economic Revitalisation Award. He is recognised for efforts to revitalise the state’s economy through reforms, investment promotion and renewed attention to tourism, infrastructure and enterprise development.

Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar

Also on the list is former Bauchi state Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar who bags  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.

Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar

Former Zamfara state Governor and Senator of the Federal Republic, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, receives the Legislative Excellence and Political Dexterity Award. He is recognised for political leadership, legislative engagement and his ability to build consensus around issues of national interest. The award acknowledges his experience across executive and legislative responsibilities and his continued participation in national political affairs.

Hon. James Faleke

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. James Faleke, receives the Effective Public Finance Oversight Award. He is recognised for his role in legislative oversight of Nigeria’s public finances, particularly his emphasis on accountability, fiscal responsibility and effective management of public resources. The honour highlights the importance of parliamentary scrutiny in promoting responsible fiscal governance.

Bashir Bayo Ojulari

Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the NNPCL, bags the Corporate Leadership Award for his contribution to operational excellence, energy security and business transformation at the National Oil Major. The award acknowledges his leadership in Nigeria’s energy sector and the importance of corporate efficiency and investment in strengthening the country’s petroleum industry.

Olayemi Cardoso

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, receives the Financial Sustainability and Regulatory Oversight Award. He is recognised for reforms aimed at strengthening financial stability, improving confidence in Nigeria’s financial system and reinforcing regulatory oversight.

Dame Dr Adora Umeoji

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr Adora Umeoji, receives the 2025 Bank CEO of the Year Award.

She is recognised for leadership, innovation and customer-focused banking services that have contributed to the continued growth and competitiveness of Zenith Bank. The award celebrates female leadership in Nigeria’s banking industry and the contribution of financial institutions to economic development.

Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, receives the Fiscal Governance Reformer of the Year Award. He is recognised for reforms aimed at improving transparency, promoting equitable revenue distribution and strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal governance architecture. The honour highlights the importance of effective revenue mobilisation and allocation in supporting national and subnational development.

Zubaida Umar

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, receives the Responsive Humanitarian Leadership Award. She is recognised for efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, emergency response and humanitarian intervention across the country. The award acknowledges the critical role of responsive emergency management in protecting vulnerable communities and providing assistance during crises.

Dr Adebowale A. Adedokun

The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale A. Adedokun, receives the Public Procurement Reformer Award. He is recognised for advancing reforms designed to promote transparency, integrity, accountability and value for money in public procurement. The award underscores the significance of effective procurement systems in preventing waste and ensuring that public expenditure delivers maximum value.

Hussaini Ishaq Magaji

The Registrar-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN,  receives 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.

Professor Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Professor Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju, receives the Enhanced Digital Infrastructure Award. He is recognised for expanding secure digital infrastructure that supports government efficiency, connectivity and the development of Nigeria’s digital economy.

Khalil Suleiman Halilu

The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, receives the CEO of the Year Award. He is recognised for repositioning NASENI as a driver of innovation, indigenous technology, industrial development and local manufacturing. The award highlights the growing national emphasis on science, technology and locally developed solutions as tools for economic transformation.

Hon. Comrade Philip Shuaibu

The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Hon. Comrade Philip Shuaibu, receives the Sports Personality of the Year Award. He is recognised for his commitment to sports development, athlete empowerment and institutional growth. The award acknowledges the importance of strengthening sports institutions and developing athletes capable of competing successfully at national and international levels.

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, receives the Football Infrastructure Icon of the Year Award. He is recognised for promoting football infrastructure development and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the foundations of Nigerian football.

Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu

The Managing Director of Niger Resources Limited, Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu, receives the Building Legacy for Youth Development Award. He is recognised for investments in education, entrepreneurship and opportunities designed to empower young Nigerians. The award celebrates the contribution of private-sector philanthropy and investment in developing talents, expanding opportunities and preparing younger generations for the future.

Tantita Security Limited

Tantita Security Limited receives the Outstanding Security Surveillance Award for its role in protecting critical national assets through surveillance, technology and support for national security. The recognition highlights the growing contribution of private-sector security operators to the protection of strategic infrastructure and national economic assets.