By Newscount
The organizers of Nigeria Most Influential Awards NMIA, 9th edition literally lit up the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Congress Hall, Abuja Friday night last week with excited prospective awardees, guests and dignitaries who stepped in to grace the auspicious occassion despite seeming cool harmathan weather.
Very impressive turn up of the Awardees, dignitaries, guests and gentlemen of press was a testament to significance attached to the award ceremony which debuted close to a decade ago at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja with utmost consistency and ever increasing glitz and glamour.
As dignitaries walked in, through the green carpet, they took pictures, in addition expressed their individual delights for being nominated for the awards.
The event kick started with rendition of national anthem and opening prayer, while the duo of popular comedian, Chuks De General and King Tontoh Dikeh, famous nollywood actress, humanitarian and politician took center stage to co-emcee the event.
The brainchild of the prestigious NMIA, Ambassador Vivian Elegalam C. popularly known as Vivian Lam; creative entrepreneur, media personality, publisher of V Glamour magazine, realtor and founder of Vivian Lam Foundation after welcoming the guests, took the audience down memory lane on the essence of the NMIA, stating that it is meant for celebrating and honoring excellence in order to encourage those who are doing well serving humanity in various capacities as well as inspire others.
Some of the award recipients in different categories who either attended or sent their representatives includes, Otunba Chief Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, HE Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, represented by his Principal Secretary, HE Rt. Honorable Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, ably represented by his amiable wife, Dame (Mrs) Judith Amaechi, Ambassador Honorable Orok Orok, Comrade Festus Osifo, Senator Osita Izunaso, Captain Chris Ona Najomo, DG NCAA, HRH Oba (Dr) Anifowose Adeyinka Okikiola, Dr (Mrs) Olejeme, Dr Michael Nwoko, representing Sen Prince Ned Nwoko, Hajia Jummai Ghaji amongst others.
Guest of Honours were Professor Jetta Bawa Sanwolo, Etsu Jikwoyi Gabayakwo, His Royal Majesty Eze (Dr) Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council and Honorable Usani Uguru U., former Minister of Niger Delta Ministry.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Honorable Barrister Solomon Dalung, Mr Tochukwu Iwunamara and Pastor Favour Charles Chidozie were among other dignitaries that graced the colorful event.
During separate individual remarks and interviews, some of the award recipients expressed heartfelt gratitude and lauded the NMIA for its consistency and finding each of them worthy to be honoured without any form of inducement.
Some highlights of the event were group photographs, calling on stage of all the NMIA team for recognition and applause, award presentations, musical entertainments, comedies and light refreshment.
