By Chioma Iruke
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote has bagged the African Personality of the Year, Champion For Local Content Award.
The prestigious plaque was conferred by organizers of the African Value Awards (AVA) 2021 on Thursday in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Legal Services Engr. Babaginda Omar, Simbi noted that the awards was a thing of pride and honor, even as he thanked the organizers for counting him worthy of the award.
Speaking on his achievements in promoting local content across Nigeria, the ES urged Nigerians to patronize Nigerian owned businesses as a way to promote local contents the country.
While advising youths to be patriotic and hardworking, Simbi echoed that hard work pays and never goes unnoticed.
“I urge youths to be hard working. The truth is that hard work pays and never goes unnoticed. Look at us who knew that we were been watched, but hard work is what resulted in this award.
“I urge youths to be patriotic, we have only one Nigeria if we destroy it where do we go. We stop bad mouthing our own,” he admonished.
The event also featured the launch of a book by Daniel Obah, titled ‘The Key to a Great Africa’.
Other awardees were Abdullahi Sule, (Nassarawa State Governor), Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State Governor), Dr Gloria Diri (wife of Bayelsa State Governor), Olubunmi Tunji (Member House of Representatives) amongst others.
While delivering his speech, Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who was the Special Guest of Honour, applauded the organizers of the event for the initiative, even as he stressed that the African continent was in dire need of good and productive leaders.