Soludo’s CPS Aburime bags national excellence award

By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka

Mr Christian Aburime, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State, has received the Award of National Excellence in Strategic Communication and Public Service at the 10th National Leadership Integrity and Development Summit and Awards 2026.

The event, held at Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, was organized by the Centre for Ethical Conduct Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE), in partnership with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

The summit, which commemorated Nigeria’s 66th anniversary, was centred on the theme: “Making Nigeria Work Through Trusted Leadership, Working Institutions, Economic Growth, Sustainable Development and National Security.”

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Productions, Mr. Ejike Abana, Aburime dedicated the award to the Governor and the people of Anambra State.

The event featured panel discussions and keynote addresses by prominent leaders, who examined the challenges and opportunities surrounding national development and the measures required to build a more functional Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of CECOE, Dr. Owah David, addressed the fundamental question of what is required to make Nigeria work.

He noted that the pursuit of a functional and prosperous nation reflects the foundational passion behind the country’s birth, stressing that national progress depends on deliberate and sustained action rather than mere wishes.

The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, stressed the need for strong institutions working alongside capable leadership that transcends individual character.

Olowo further noted that genuine national development must incorporate sustainability and measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.

He urged Nigerians and public institutions to make transparency and accountability part of their daily practices rather than treating them as activities reserved for special occasions or isolated events.Shop African Art

Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Co-Chairman of the event, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, addressed the theme, “Making Nigeria Work: Leadership, Institutions and Citizens; Our Collective Responsibility.”

Abejide asserted that achieving national progress requires essential reforms as well as a fundamental shift in citizens’ attitudes and their approach to national development.

While commending some of the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the reallocation of funds towards productive ventures, Abejide said the country was steadily moving towards increased manufacturing activities and greater foreign direct investment (FDI).