Last Sunday, in one of the halls in Sheraton Hotel Lagos, people gathered to celebrate the lives and achievements of some prominent Nigerian personalities who have distinguished themselves in all walks of life.
The event, annually put together by the La Veronica Magazine and organised by two celebrated Nigerian women — Dr Joe Odumakin and Dr Veronica Okei—marked the 11th anniversary and the sixth annual Prestige, Integrity, Nobility, and Knowledge (PINK) Awards.
The Pink Awards are a “reward podium” organised to honour individuals with a view to recognising, appreciating, and celebrating their achievements and contributions to society. The awards also aim to celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations, promoting a culture of excellence in Nigeria.
The awards—which target politicians, administrators, entrepreneurs, businesspeople, celebrities, entertainers, media personnel, and the general public—have the major categories: governance, individual excellence, entrepreneurship and business, arts and entertainment, humanitarian and lifetime achievements, and special recognition.
The organisers noted that the colour, pink, is non-threatening and depicts universal love that propels admiration, respect, and appreciation. They added that in a society where sycophants persistently reign and deficient imitations remain at their peak, one would be tempted to ask: “Of what need is the PINK awards?”
Dr Veronica Okei, founder of PINK Awards, who is also a journalist and social justice advocate, answered the above question. She stated that the awards celebrate excellence and recognise individuals who embody the values of prestige, integrity, nobility and knowledge. She added that since its inception in 2013, the awards are dedicated to honouring individuals who have risen above the ordinary and inspire others through their remarkable achievements by shining a light on their outstanding contributions.
“I am reminded of the power of human achievements. Each of you (the awardees) has demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and passion in your respective fields. Your works have positively impacted countless lives, inspiring others to strive for greatness.
“Tonight, we honour the trailblazers, the innovators and leaders who have made a lasting impact. Your achievements serve as a motivation to us all, demonstrating that excellence is attainable with hard work, integrity, and noble spirit,” she said.
Okei further said that true greatness lies not in individual accomplishments but in the collective impact people make in their community and the world, adding, “The greatest glory in life is not in falling but in rising every time we fall.”
Dr Joe Odumakin, promoter of PINK Awards, human rights activist, and president of the Women Arise for Change Initiative, started her remarks by charging the audience not to give up in any endeavour they find themselves.
“Do not ever give up. When determination exists, failure cannot dismantle the flag of success,” she said.
Odumakin advised those on the edge of committing suicide because of the setbacks or failures they are experiencing that taking their own lives is not an option. She stressed that anyone who gives up and dies might have been the best president, the best senator, the traditional ruler, the pastor, or the entertainer.
“Everyone to be honoured here today has at one point in their lives faced problems, but they did not give up. Keep on pushing. Keep the faith up. One day, your dream, aspirations, and vision will be achieved. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step,” she said.
She quoted Martin Luther King, Jr: “The worthiness of life is deep-rooted in the service of mankind.” In light of this, she urged the audience to continue to render selfless service to humanity.
“The enduring achievers we are honouring today are change agents. Let us change the world. Let us continue to invest in humanity. We should not be onlookers, but partakers in things that keep us moving, and that is how the world goes around,” she added.
The promoter of the awards encouraged everyone to have role models who can emulate their good qualities so that they can become something good in life. She also encouraged the audience to inculcate the right values and keep them alive.
Odumakin emphasised that it is good for people to be passionate about things, and when faced with challenges they should keep pushing, knowing that there will be opportunities to achieve their vision.
“The tougher the battle, the sweeter the victory. Let us continue to keep hope alive and remain positive,” she concluded.
The 2024 PINK Award for Lifetime Achievement for Literary Excellence and Social Impact went to Nobel laureate and playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka.
It is necessary to point out that Professor Soyinka did not receive his awards with the other PINK awardees in Sheraton but some days before (November 19), during the convocation play of the University of Ibadan, where the vice chancellor of the university instituted an institute in his name, where all his works would be studied.
Other awardees were the Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago for the Governor of the Year. The 13th Etsu Nupe and Chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rule, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar for Lifetime Achievement Award.
Others included Dr Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Ejiro Christiana Moses for Fashion Icon of the Year. Mr Adaralegbe Akintayo for the Real Estate Mogul of the Year. Engr. Raji Kehinde Ayoola for the Philanthropist of the Year. Mercy Aigbe for the Best Actress of the Year. Mr Mbamalu Valentine for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year. Prince MK Ba’agi for the North-central Musician of the Year. Ibrahim Chatta for the Best Actor of the Year.
Volume 13, number 13 of the La Veronica magazine was launched at the event. The magazine published by Princess Veronica Okei and edited by Akan Imoh, listed Dr Joe Odumakin, Festus Keyamo, Tee Mac Omotshola Iseli, Professor Pat Utomi, and Mrs Hafsat Abiola as advisory board members of the magazine.
The cover personality of the magazine is the governor of Niger State. Its front page bore: ‘His Excellence, Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago: A Breath of Fresh Air For Niger State’.
Dr Okei, in the publisher’s note of the 72-page magazine, described Governor Bago as a dynamic visionary leader who has quickly become a breath of fresh air for Niger State since becoming governor on May 29, 2023, by demonstrating a unique blend of experience, dedication, and innovation that has reshaped the state.
The publisher stated that looking into the future, the impact of the Niger State governor’s leadership is evident, offering hope and optimism for Niger’s growth. She added that with his pragmatic approach and unwavering focus on community-driven progress, his legacy will be one of transformation and enduring success for all.
“The publication captures the essence of a leader who is not just transforming infrastructure, but also cultivating hope and opportunity for the people of Nigeria,” Okei added.
The magazine also featured profiles, interviews, congratulatory messages, stories, and picture galleries of Professor Wole Soyinka, Dr Joe Odumakin, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso, Tunde Bakare, D’Banj, actress Laide Bakare, Ejiro Moses, photographer Kola Onifoto, fintech expert Ayodeji Saba, among others.
Past awardees of the PINK Awards are Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (2022 Governor of the Year); Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde (2023 Governor of the Year); Alex Okoh (2022 Public Administrator of the Year); Ruth Kadiri (2022 Actor of the year, female), among others.
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