NAN-ELS-3
Award
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, March 24, 2017 (NAN) Verdant Zeal, a multi-disciplinary Marketing Communications Agency, on Thursday night marked its 10 years presence in the communications industry with awards to some distinguished Nigerian businessmen and entertainment gurus.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Verdant Zeal is a communications outfit that provides innovative business solutions to an interesting mix of impressive clients across diverse industries.
The award night, held at the prestigious Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, had an assemblage of crème-de-la-crème of the society including notable businessmen, economists and entertainers.
The Executive Vice-Chairman of the outfit, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, said the award for the staff of the company and some distinguished Nigerians was in appreciation of their efforts.
“This award is in recognition of some outstanding performances of the staff and also some distinguished Nigerians who have helped the communications and marketing industry to grow.
“The Quantum awards are a platform that acknowledges success and victory against all odds. The Quantum awards also seek to constantly identify and celebrate individuals and institutions.
“We identify with those that have broken norms to redefine standards, improve efficiency, increase convenience and positively affect the society and birth change,’’ he said.
The award night hosted some entertainers who added colour to the event like Stand Up comedians, Ajebo, Kenny Blaq, K-Sax, Aramide, Dr Sid and Cobhams Asuquo among others.
Some members of staff of the company were rewarded for their various contributions to the growth of the company that started like a seed about 10 years ago but now a world class communications outfit.
Verdant Zeal also honoured some notable Nigerians for their Social Impact Achievements. They include Dr Jamil Gwamna, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC).
Gwamna received Quantum awards for his giant strides in energy distribution and providing leadership in Nigeria’s energy value chain.
Also honoured was Dr Yinka Akindayomi, Director and Founder, Children Developmental Centre (CDC), a facility that provides shelter to more than 600 children and young adults with spectrum disorders.
She was honoured for her doggedness in supervision, financing and management of the children’s development centre for 20 years.
Mosunmola Abudu, also known as Mo Abudu, a Presenter, TV producer and a media guru and Chief Executive Officer of Ebony life TV was presented with an award of Media Excellence.
Another media icon, Mr Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman of Nigeria’s largest communication conglomerate, Insight Communications was honoured for his pioneering role in the marketing and communications industry.
Stand-Up comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere (a.k.a Ali Baba) was honoured for blazing the trail for entertainment in Nigeria.
Ms Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Main One Cable Company, one of the largest telecommunications solution providers, was honored for her cyber revolutionary and ICT revolution in Africa.
Erudite Professor of Economics and member of Patito’s gang, a television talk show Prof. Patrick Utomi was honoured for being a thought leader in development economics.
Speaking, Akindayomi said that the award could only better her past efforts in what she considered a passion for the less privileged.
However, Olugbodi in an interview with NAN said that his message for the 10th anniversary was for Nigerian youths.
“I challenge Nigerian youths not to wait for the government but stand up to be counted.
“We don’t expect anything from government instead it must be a reverse osmosis where we think on how to help the government,’’ he said. (NAN)
KOJE/ENN/PDE
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)