The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Bago, has been nominated for the prestigious World Star Farmer Award by the World Leadership Merit Award Committee. This esteemed recognition celebrates Governor Bago’s outstanding contributions to agriculture and rural development in Nigeria, effectively transforming the state into a leading agricultural hub. The announcement, coinciding with his 51st birthday, highlights his visionary leadership in prioritizing agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and food security. The award, modeled after the American Star Farmers Award, underscores Governor Bago’s innovative policies, which have empowered rural farmers and modernized agricultural practices, attracting substantial investment into the sector. His dedication to gender inclusivity in farming, particularly through initiatives promoting female participation, further solidified his nomination. This prestigious award will be formally conferred upon Governor Bago at a distinguished ceremony during the United Nations Women CSW69 Assembly in New York.
The upcoming award ceremony, scheduled for March 16, 2025, at the United Nations Women CSW69 Assembly in New York, promises to be a significant event, drawing prominent figures from around the globe. Government officials, policymakers, and experts from various fields will gather to witness the conferral of the World Star Farmer Award upon Governor Bago, recognizing his transformative impact on Niger State’s agricultural landscape. This international platform will serve to showcase his achievements and underscore the importance of his leadership in fostering sustainable development through agricultural advancement and rural empowerment. The event’s high profile nature further amplifies the significance of Governor Bago’s contributions and positions him as a leading figure in agricultural development within Nigeria.
Adding further distinction to the event, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, will deliver the keynote address. Her speech will focus on the critical intersection of leadership, gender inclusion, and effective policy implementation in governance. This emphasis aligns perfectly with Governor Bago’s own commitment to promoting female participation in agriculture and underscores the broader importance of inclusive governance in driving sustainable development. The presence of such a distinguished speaker further elevates the significance of the award ceremony and provides a platform for insightful discussions on key issues related to leadership and social progress.
The ceremony will also recognize Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, former Lagos State Deputy Governor, with the Doyen of the Downtrodden Award, honoring her tireless advocacy against bad governance, injustice, and human rights abuses. This recognition underscores the event’s broader commitment to celebrating individuals who champion social justice and fight for the rights of marginalized communities. Furthermore, Dr. Kalyani Gopal, a renowned psychologist and advocate against human trafficking, will deliver a special address emphasizing the vital role of leadership in promoting social justice and human empowerment. Dr. Gopal’s expertise and advocacy work add another layer of significance to the event, highlighting the importance of global collaboration in addressing critical human rights issues.
Beyond Governor Bago’s recognition, the World Leadership Merit Award will honor several other influential figures for their outstanding contributions across various fields. These nominees include Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women; Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila, former Chairman of Surulere Local Government; Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, an international legal expert; and Rose William Sarwatt, President of the Tanzania Widows Association. This diverse group of nominees reflects the award’s commitment to recognizing individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective fields, spanning from international diplomacy and governance to legal expertise and social advocacy.
The event will also feature posthumous awards to honor the legacies of two influential women: Alhaja Habeebat Mogaji, mother of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the late Dr. Mariam Babangida, former First Lady of Nigeria. Both women were instrumental in advocating for social development and women’s rights, leaving behind enduring legacies of positive change. These posthumous awards serve as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of their contributions and inspire future generations to continue their work in promoting gender equality and social progress. The inclusion of these posthumous awards underscores the event’s overarching theme of recognizing exceptional leadership and its power to transform societies.
