THE Chairman of Integrity Group, Delta State, Hon. Oke Idawane, has been honoured with the prestigious “Proactive Leadership Gold Award”. The recognition, presented by the West African Initiative for Leadership, Peace, and Development, celebrated his steadfast dedication to community service, integrity, and nation-building.
The award presentation took place at the Delta State Civil Service Commission, in the office of the 3rd Commissioner and Secretary of the Elders’ Council of the Integrity Group, Prince Mike Oputa, in Asaba.
The Proactive Leadership Gold Award was in “recognition of selfless service, commitment to equity, fairness, and excellence, and a celebration of accomplishments that inspire others.”
In his acceptance speech,. AIdawane expressed profound gratitude for the honour, reaffirming his dedication to serving the people of Delta State and Nigeria. “This award is not just for me, but for everyone who has supported me in our shared pursuit of peace, justice, and progress,” he said. “Together, we will continue striving towards a brighter future for our communities and our nation.”
The meeting centred on the importance of strong and effective leadership in addressing Africa’s persistent challenges, including economic stagnation and infrastructure deficits.
The Third Commissioner of the Delta State Civil Service Commission and Secretary of the Elders’ Council of the Integrity Group, Prince Mike Oputa, praised Idawane’s substantial contributions to Delta State’s development. He highlighted Idawane’s pivotal role in fostering peace and unity across the region, emphasising his impact on community building and governance.
Speaking at the event, National Coordinator of the West Africa Initiative for Leadership, Peace, and Development, Comrade Akinsanya Saheed, underscored the critical need for quality leadership across Africa. He noted that the failure of good leadership remained a significant obstacle to progress in many African countries, making it all the more essential to celebrate individuals like Hon. Idawane, who embody true leadership.
Comr. Saheed described the West Africa Initiative for Leadership, Peace, and Development as a highly regarded non-governmental organisation committed to promoting exemplary leadership across the continent. He added that the organisation’s endorsement of Hon. Idawane further cements his legacy as a visionary leader whose actions inspire future generations.
The meeting was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Political Association, known for its commitment to professionalism and effective governance. The association expressed pride in recognising individuals like Hon. Idawane, whose leadership has left an enduring impact on Delta State.
The coordinator also lauded Idawane as a disciplinarian and an achiever of remarkable milestones. He highlighted Idawane’s steadfast dedication to the core values of the Integrity Group, particularly in peace-building, conflict resolution, and safeguarding national assets.
He reiterated that Idawane has played a vital role in maintaining peace and order across Delta State. His tireless efforts to curb the activities of unscrupulous private security companies and ensure the protection of critical national infrastructure have established him as a key figure in local governance and security.
