PHOTOS: NIPSS Lagos alumni honours Obasanjo, Kessington at 2025 Exellence Awards

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo and philanthropist Kessington Adebutu were among the honourees at the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Lagos.

The event held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Launched in 2022, the Excellence Honours’ award recognises individuals and institutions whose contributions have significantly advanced Nigeria’s landscape.

This year’s edition featured high-level stakeholders, distinguished guests, and thought leaders, while celebrating their impact and influence on society.

Speaking at the event, Omolara Balogun, the chairman of AANI, said in the last 47 years, the institute has experienced varying degrees of impact, relevance and actualisation of its objective.

Balogun said the event emphasises a commitment to shared responsibility for signalling what is essential, adding that “it is a unique opportunity to do more”.

She said the award ceremony comes at a time of profound global and national challenges, maintaining the need to spotlight policy, public service, and personal responsibility.

The chairman said the institute was established to bring together proven leaders from the armed forces, intelligence, public service, private sector, academia, professional bodies, and civil society.

She said the purpose of the awards is to “live out our truths through active engagement, offering distinguished members as positive role models to the public”.

“Our executives and members have committed time, resources and experience in reviewing our plans and implementing changes and growth initiatives, vital in helping us improve our aspiration,” she said.

At the event, Obasanjo was honoured with the ‘Special Recognition Award’, while Adebutu received the ‘Social Impact Award’.

Speaking, Obasanjo said he is humbled by the recognition from ANNI, noting that the award was established to enable Nigeria to benefit from men and women committed to long-range thinking, sound policy, and democracy.

The ex-president urged NIPSS alumni to build capacity, teach ethical leadership, and encourage ethical reporting.

He advised that ANNI should think strategically to establish policies that stand the test of time, adding that “Nigeria’s problems require patience and the ability to have enduring policies”.

“Serve as mentors and allies for the next generation, build their capacity, teach them ethical leadership, and encourage their participation in public offices,” he said.

“Strengthen institutions, not necessarily personality. True progress is achieved when institutions are resilient, transparent, and accountable. Be a voice of unity, inclusive development, and peaceful democratic practice.

“Where there is division, use your training to mediate and to build bridges.”

Other recipients included Aderemi Desalu, Abimbola Amusu, Obashina Ogunbiyi, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Felix Bajomo, Akinbayo Adenubi, Rilwan Akiolu, Adetokunbo Fayemiwo, Victor Banjo, Ike Nwachukwu, Tunde Aibulu, Deji Awobotu, the Nigerian Army, and Proshare LLC.