Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Honourable Minister of State for Finance, has been awarded the prestigious 6th Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Leadership Award, presented in Abuja in honor of Zik’s 121st posthumous birthday. She accepted the accolade with humility and gratitude, dedicating it “to all Nigerians who work every day with hope, resilience, and faith to build a better country.” For her, this recognition is far more than a personal honor, it is a call to redouble her commitment to public service, unity, courage, and integrity, ideals that defined Dr. Azikiwe’s legacy.
In her acceptance speech, Minister Uzoka-Anite affirmed that the award strengthens her resolve to advance Nigeria’s reform agenda. She recommitted to policies that promote fiscal sustainability, economic competitiveness, and inclusive growth, particularly reforms that open up access to financial services, drive structural change, and deliver opportunities for all Nigerians. These principles resonate deeply with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which prioritizes long-term stability and private-sector-led expansion.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite also reflected on Dr. Azikiwe’s enduring influence as a statesman who championed the values of public service and national unity. She said his ideals remain a moral compass for today’s leaders, urging that they be translated into concrete actions for economic empowerment. She emphasized that recognitions such as the Zik Award are not just symbols of honor, but fuel for even greater purpose – a reminder that leadership demands persistent effort, accountability, and service to the nation.
At the event, former Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu used the occasion to issue a stern warning against any drift toward a one-party state, underscoring the importance of democratic plurality for Nigeria’s future. His remarks echoed the Minister’s call for inclusive governance and reaffirmed her belief that national progress requires broad civic engagement.
This award is an affirmation of Dr. Uzoka-Anite’s role not only as a technocratic leader but also as a values-driven public servant. It highlights her dedication to building a resilient economy rooted in transparency and shared prosperity. Her vision, anchored in the ideals of Zik, continues to guide her work, not just in policy making, but in her daily mission: to serve with integrity, to reform with compassion, and to unite Nigeria around a future of hope and opportunity.
