<h3 style="text-align: center;">Prof Ekanem Braide (President, Nigerian Academy of Science): Oratory on Professor Christian Happi</h3> <img class="wp-image-8078 aligncenter" src="https://hallmarksoflabour.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/⁠Prof-Ekanem-Braide-e1717516375741-300x169.jpeg" alt="" width="711" height="400" /> Christian Happi is a Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics. He is the Director of the World Bank-funded African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) in Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. After obtaining a Ph.D. from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 2000, he proceeded to Harvard University for his Post-Doctoral Fellowship, 2000-2003. He currently leads the joint WHO Africa Region/Africa Centres for Disease Control (AfCDC); providing information for programmatic action for the effective control of COVID-19 and other emerging pathogens in Africa. His research focus is on genomics of infectious diseases and human genomics. He diagnosed the first case of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria in 2014 and worked closely with Nigerian health authorities for the successful containment of the recent Ebola out-break in Nigeria. Using advanced genomics and deep sequencing technology, Professor Christian Happi and colleagues sequenced the first 99 Ebola virus genomes during the 2014-2016 West African Ebola out-break, and made these openly accessible to the international scientific and research community, thus, pioneering open- access genomics data. His team also developed the first rapid diagnostics test against Ebola Virus disease within 6 months of the 2014-2016 Ebola out-break in West Africa. The US FDA and WHO approved this diagnosis under emergency use authorisation. In 2007, Professor Happi developed and performed the first on-site molecular diagnosis of Lassa Fever in Nigeria, at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State, Nigeria. He has since worked with collaborators to develop a novel 5-minute rapid diagnosis test for Lassa Fever. These first genome sequencing of the Lassa Fever virus resulted in the acceleration of the development of Lassa fever vaccines, among which three (3) are currently undergoing clinical trials in Nigeria and other West African countries. Professor Happi, recently, used next generation sequencing technology to perform the first sequence of the new SARS-CoV-2 in Africa, within 48 hours of receiving sample of the first index case in Nigeria. Since then, he has performed genome sequencing of over 500 SARS-CoV-2 in Nigeria, along the line discovering the new B.1.525 variant of concern in Nigeria. This work on COVID-19 genomics has not only provided an insight into the detailed genetic map, origins, evolution, transmission and spread of the new corona virus in Nigeria and Africa but paved the way to his developing a new COVID-19 nucleic acid-based rapid (15mins) diagnostics test. His work has also resulted in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate (COVID-Diovax). Professor Happi has received several prestigious national and International Awards for Innovation and Health Leadership. Professor Christian Happi embodies the passion, intellectual drive and innovative spirit that African scientific leaders need for discoveries that will help the continent stem its scientific and academic challenges. It is my pleasure to invite Professor Christian Happi to receive the Hallmarks of Labour Role Model Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Science.

<p class="p1">On behalf of the Chairman, Board of Trustees His Excellency, Amb. Dr Christopher Kolade, we welcome you to the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation's 27" Anniversary and Role Model Awards.</p> <p class="p1">These many years apparently gone so quickly have not been without challenges even as the Foundation remains determined in its resolve that our country Nigeria is a Great Nation, Hence, we are gathered here again to celebrate another set of Nigerians who can match their counterparts elsewhere in the world. A look at our HLF Roll-Call is a testimony to the fact.</p> <p class="p1">Every country has their share of men and women of note, who have made their marks and left their foot-prints on the sands of time.</p> <p class="p1">However, their achievements are not always adequately celebrated or chronicled. We at the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation believe that this should not be so; that there should be a Roll of Honour of great achievers who in their areas of specialisation have done Nigeria proud, and become veritable role models for our young and future generations.</p> <p class="p1">Over the years, the Foundation has projected and documented the achievements of these worthy patriots for the present and future generations, in a series titled Hallmarks of Labour. Copies of published editions, now in its 12' Volume, are available for Preview and sale.</p> <p class="p1">As a country Nigeria has so much to thank God for. We remain firm believers that Nigeria will continue to rise and take its rightful place among the Comity of Nations and the signs abound. We are blessed with abundant Natural as well as Human Resources. It is time now for us all, We the People, to stop blaming everyone else but ourselves. We should begin to apply ourselves -- as parents, guardians, teachers & leaders - - by the values we pass on to our children and wards. Our dedication to</p> <p class="p1">Patricia Otuedon-Arawore</p> <p class="p1">(Executive Secretary)</p> <p class="p1">our duties, to our people and country - public and private sector work-places; Executive, Legislature & Judiciary, Academia, Commerce & Industry, etc. -- will impact significantly on what our country becomes in the future. We should all join hands to help build the Nigeria of our dreams.</p> <p class="p1">This is a task for us all without exception, as we have no other country to call our own. The lessons of history are profound.</p> <p class="p1">The Celebration of these Great Nigerians today demonstrates that Nigeria is a reservoir of noble men and women, who by dint of hard-work and integrity, have made their marks in their fields of endeavour and with positive impact on the wider society.</p> <p class="p1">Till date, the Foundation has identified and presented 90 Role Models with exemplary achievements. It is our hope that our younger generations will emulate them for the benefit of a greater Nigeria.</p> <p class="p1">Ladies and Gentlemen, as we wish you a fulfilling experience at the twin event, we really appreciate your esteemed presence.</p> <p class="p1">Thank you all for coming.</p> <strong>Executive Secretary,</strong> <p class="p1"><strong>Patricia Otuedon-Arawore</strong></p> <p class="p1"></p>

One of the notable blessings of the nation of Nigeria has been the life and work of the late <strong>Professor Umaru Shehu</strong>, who passed into glory on 2"' October, 2023. He was not only an eminent Professor of Medicine, a man of respectable academic intellect; he also served as Vice Chancellor and Pro Chancellor at a number of Nigerian Universities. His additional distinction was that he was the pioneer Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the <strong>Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (HLF)</strong>, the principal champion of the Foundation's concept and philosophy of quality performance, and the leader of its activities for 26 years. His own performance was exemplary in every respect, and he practiced the standards that he preached. He demonstrated foresight in ensuring the Foundation's interaction with youngsters in educational institutions, promoting the integration of performance excellence into their development. The Foundation mourns his departure, and is determined to secure and sustain his enviable legacy in the Nigerian nation. In making these Awards tonight, the Foundation is grateful to Committees of previous Award winners and others who served as Assessors of nominees, and confirmed their worthiness for receiving the honour. The Trustees of the Foundation also register their appreciation of the tireless efforts of their Executive Secretary, <strong>Mrs Patricia Otuedon-Arawore</strong>, whose light shines ever brighter as she organizes the ongoing activities of the HLF and ensures the smooth running or these annual award events. Hearty congratulations to the new Award Winners on this 27th Anniversary of the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation. Tonight, our Award winners stand out as distinguished Nigerians whose exemplary contributions are being marked and recognized by all. We are delighted and excited to identify them, showcase them and celebrate them as people who are acknowledged as highly worthy of emulation as we all collaborate to build Nigeria into a great nation whose citizens work together, at home and beyond, to establish and sustain success and distinction through excellence of real performance. Chairman Amb. Dr. Christopher Kolade <strong>Lagos, 20 April 2024.</strong>