Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma of Nasarawa State, Nigeria has been conferred with the Most Outstanding Entrepreneurial Achievement Award in recognition of his exemplary contribution to global entrepreneurship through his introduction of “Pepa Yam Nigeria” into the international market. This feat was achieved by the Governor after his successful fulfillment of many stringent United Kingdom and European Union trade regulations.

The Executive Governor was ably represented at the event which took place in London by Mr. Omusa Baba Ohyoma who received Award on behalf of the governor. The award was presented to the representative of the Governor by the Minister and Head of Information, Nigeria High Commission, Mr. Damian Agwu, who was at the occasion to make good representation of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Dalhatu Tarfida. The Publisher of Checkout Magazine, Mr. Lekan Fatodu assisted in the presentation of the award.

According to the organizing committee of the ceremony “Governor Doma’s exceptional entrepreneurial feat has become a prototype for entrepreneurial excellence for many promising and established entrepreneurs of African background to drive themselves to the pinnacle of success in their various businesses”.

The Award ceremony was part of the events lined up during the First Nigeria-Ghana Networking Summit in the UK held at Holiday Inn in the prestigious Bloomsbury area of London on Sunday 15th November 2009. The event drew an assemblage of people from the Nigerian and Ghanaian communities in the UK, nationals of other African, European and Asian countries from across the UK to the London venue of the event.

Addressing guests at the ceremony, Governor Doma whose acceptance speech was read by Mr. Ohyoma said the award was encouraging, as it is inspiring. The Governor stated that apart from recognising his efforts at transforming the socio-economic status of the people of Nasarawa State, the award symbolized a recognition of his focused determination to continue to provide service in the best interest of the people.

The well attended ceremony drew guests from various sections of the Nigerian and Ghanaian communities, who were at the occasion to network, mingle, access business opportunities, exchange important contacts and get inspired by meritoriously chosen awardees and much-sought after speakers at the event.

The array of high-powered dignitaries who attended the event included individuals of African descent who have attained enviable status in different areas of human endeavours, ranging from media to fashion to politics and members of the diplomatic corps. Present included Minister and Head of Information at Nigeria High Commission, the Head of HiTV Europe, Mayor of Waltham Forest  London, famous British politician and Labour’s parliamentary candidate, Mr. Chuka Umunna; CEO Nollywood Movies UK, CEO Best of Nigeria, Publisher The Trumpet newspaper, Publisher African Voice newspaper UK, Publisher Leadership and Lifestyle magazine and CEO Rich Visions.

Report by: Omusa Baba Ohyoma