Encomiums, inspiration at Blueprint’s Impact Series/Awards

JOHN NWOKOCHA and DONALD IORCHIR write on the success of Blueprint newspapers’ Impact/Series Awards, which many are in consensus that it re- invented how media awards should be organised, considering the high profile attendance, time management, rancour-free celebration, among other impressive records
Punctuality, Respect for Blueprint
For a while, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital territory eminent Nigerians, other than politicians have not gathered under one roof, ostensibly for fear of insecurity. But Tuesday, July 17, under a cool and secured atmosphere of Rockview Royale, eminent Nigerians from all walks of life, converged on the FCT, for the maiden Impact/Series Awards of Blueprint newspapers, one of Nigeria’s reputable news media.
It is remarkable to note that prominent personalities who turned out for the occasion arrived on time, and with this, the oft reference to arriving at events hours behind time by Nigerians, an attitude called “African time or Nigerian factor” was changed. An observer noted that it was record setting. Interestingly, their punctuality could be another way of expressing their respect for Blueprint newspapers. And besides bearing eloquent testimony of their respect for Blueprint newspapers, in retrospect, the eminent personalities and awardees’ prompt presence at the occasion, could be a commendation for the newspaper’s professional reportage as well as upped the rating of the newspaper.
Take for instance, the Honourable Minister for Transport, Chief Chibuike Amaechi, Governor of Central Bank, Dr Godwin Emefiele, traditional ruler of Birnin Gwari, Mallam Zubairu Jibril, Mai Gwari 11, arrived the occasion before the 10am scheduled take off time, despite their busy itinerary for that day.
Carefully selected, the awardees, who had made their marks in their chosen professions left no one in doubt that merit counted. Their respective stellar pedigree gave the ambience a feel of Hall of Fame, when their citations were read.
Monarch Lauds Blueprint for Economic Development, Reportage
In his keynote address titled: “Tolerance, Unity and Security, Building a Legacy for National Development”, Mallam Jibril, also called Servant of Allah, notes that tolerance is the mutual understanding and cooperation between groups with different ethnicities, religions, political ideologies and economic status. “It is seen as the basis for longer and deeper process for developing a culture of peace, it is the minimal essential quality of social relations that eliminate violence and coercion”, he stated.
Furthermore, the monarch of Gwari Birnin, in Kaduna state, said,
“This simply affirmed that tolerate is the pathway to peaceful life and community, without which national development cannot be attained, stressing that, Nigeria should be able to evolve a mechanism of action through which moral and religious tolerance will be pivoted on. This can be achieved by inculcating the spirit of servant leadership which promotes mercy and kindness between and among the people. Tolerance should be a unifying force that expiates the offence.
“We must remain conscious that on the day of judgment, God will bring us individually and collectively to account for all transgressions we perpetrated against one another. This suggests that we have to be kind and merciful to one another in Nigeria and in Nigeria and in Africa generally. Religious tolerance among Nigerians can be developed through generosity and kindness between and among faithful of varied ethno-religious backgrounds”.

Advice to Politicians on Tolerance
Admonishing the spirit of intolerance, the traditional ruler said “We must refrain from taking revenges on those who have wronged us or transgressed against us willfully. Our politicians must begin to tolerate one another knowing fully well that ideological variations are bound to occur”.

On Unity as a Catalyst for National Development
“Nigeria is a large country occupied by diverse people with diverse languages and culture (Oputa, 2006). We are united by different parameters. Religion being the principal factor that unites us is keenly followed by ethnicity, ideally, the corporate existence that we enjoy in Nigeria should be such that makes us strong concerns whenever some devastating conditions befell any part of the country. We should be able to collectively work to avert any ugly scenario that pervades us.
Unity should bind us together devoid of sentiments or ideological conflicts. While we are living and enjoying the luxuries and the comforts of the 21st century, the spirit of unity among us should make us become immune to any oddity.

On Impact of Insecurity in the country
To the monarch, insecurity especially in the form of Boko Haram insurgency in Northeast, Ethnic clashes in the North Central, armed banditry in North west, constitutes the biggest threat being faced by this country and its neighbors. He noted that insecurity created by armed robbery, and armed bandit, Boko Haram terrorism, Niger-Delta militancy cattle rustling, ethno-religious crises, equally, have for a very long time thwarted an optimal development in Nigeria.
He cited as an example Kaduna state, where reign of terror by bandits hold sway in several local government areas.
Hear him:”Our story in Birinin Ggwari of kaduna state is the agony and sympathy. The armed bandits have made hell out of the people’s lives in my area. They have completely ravage the areas by armed robbery, armed banditry, cattle rustling and abductions. Our agricultural and socio-economic sectors have been crippled”.
Having Commended Blueprint newspapers for its roles in nation building and awareness on state of insecurity, the emir charged Nigerian media to wake up in reporting security issues saying, “It is imperative that the media also recognizes its role, not just in reporting but in objective criticisms and celebration of achievements”.

I am Grateful to Blueprint – Amaechi
Speaking with newsmen after receiving the award, Amaechi appreciated the Blueprint Management for recognising his contributions to national development.
The minister, however, said that the award would inspire the recipients to do more in their various fields. “I am grateful to blueprint, the management and the board, the award is to task us further to do our best in our various assignments and fields. “

Army Chief call for Cooperation
On his part, the chief of Army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Bruatia represented by a Brigadier General appealed to Nigerians to support the Nigeria army to fight insurgent to a logical conclusion so that Nigeria could be united together.

End Hate Speech
For Rev Joseph Hayab, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Mohammed Awwal Haruna Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Nigerian politicians should end hate speech by tolerating one another instead of hate speeches that create tension and crisis in the society.
Thankfully, for them, Blueprint remains committed to the tenets of democracy and the task of restoring hope to the citizenry. At the same time, the company is dedicated to celebrating Nigerian achievers, home and abroad, tasking others to emulate them. These discussants said “Blueprint continues to ensure top notch publication that is of high ethical and professional standards. To a large extent, its conversation with readers and advertisers in the last seven years has revolved around these core values”.
Blueprint commenced operations on May 2, 2011 and is published by Mohammed Idris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officers.
Among the recipients are:
Dr. Ibrahim Hassna Dankwanbo, Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Gaidam, Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, Governor of Kastina State, Mr. Simon Bako Lalong, Governor of Plateau State, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Governor of Kano State, Senator Shehu Sani, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the central bank of Nigeria, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Rt. Hon. Rotimi Ameachi, Minister of Transport and former Governor of Rivers State, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, Commandant General Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, Captain Idris Ichalla Wada, former Governor of Kogi State, Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, Chairman/CEO National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Alhaji Dr. Najeem Usman Yasin, President, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Professor Francis Ogbonnaya Otunta Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Sir Joseph Ntung Ari, Director-General/Chief Executive, Industrial Training Fund
A vote of thanks by Hajia Zainab Suleiman Okino, the Editor-in-Chief, expressed profound gratitude of management and staff of Blueprint to everyone that contributed to the success of the event.
By and large, the occasion was a huge success and an inspiration for coming awardes, but as they say there is room for improvement for subsequent ones.

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