<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>

<p class="p3">I am delighted to welcome you all to this celebration of the 27<span class="s1">^th</span>anniversary of the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (HLF) and Awards to our citizens whose character and achievements have made them role models for our young and upcoming Nigerians.</p> <p class="p3">But first, I would like us to stand up and observe one-minute silence in tribute to the memory of our recently departed role models: Prof Nimi Briggs in April 2023, Otunba Subomi Balogun in May 2023, Prof Jo Irukwu in July 2023, Emeritus Prof Umaru Shehu on October 2023, and Dr Ogbonnaya Onu in April 2024. May their souls rest in peace.</p> <p class="p3">HLF founded 27 years ago and driven by its indefatigable Executive Secretary Mrs Patricia Otuedon=Arawore, has without any doubt become one of Nigeria’s most highly respected not-for-profit organizations because of its remarkable work.</p> <p class="p3">The crux of its activities embraces a unique service to our young generation by identifying and honouring citizens who by their character and careers are considered to be role models for our young people. The role models are conferred with the prestigious award of HLF.</p> <p class="p3">The Foundation as you will see from the video to be presented shortly, also carries out very valuable charitable activities in support of schools, indigent students, widows and women in general.</p> <p class="p3">The recipients of the HLF award over the years have included to name just a few, such outstanding Nigerians as the late Chief Rotimi Williams SAN, Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Pof Adeoye Lambo of WHO, Emeritus Prof Umaru Shehu, the Super Permanent Secretary Chief Philip Asiodu, the outstanding International diplomat Prof Ibrahim Gambari, the foreign policy intellectual and former Foreign Minister Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, and the current President of the African Development Bank Dr Akinwunmi Adesina.</p> <p class="p3">In the Nigerian society of today where ethical values have generally disappeared, the significance of recognizing and honouring individuals whose character and achievements are worth emulating by our young people cannot be overstated.</p> <p class="p3">In my young days, we were taught that success both in academic and every other undertaking came only from hard work; that integrity and character was the most important personal possession, as was succinctly expressed by the American evangelist, Billy Graham, who said: when wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; but when character is lost, everything is lost.</p> <p class="p3">For example, in those days, conducts such as examination malpractice, forgery of educational certificates and many other fraudulent activities that are reported every day in our media today were virtually non-existent. There was no place then like today’s “Oluwole Street” in Lagos.</p> <p class="p3">We should therefore applaud and heartily congratulate the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, and especially its visionary Executive Secretary Patricia Otuedon-Arawore, for sustaining over the last 27 years its remarkable didactic activities for the benefit of our young people, and I may add for the benefit of even many of our adult population.</p> <p class="p3">Fnally, I would like to end my remarks by congratulating in advance the indisputably deserving individuals who will be receiving the awards of HLF at this event.</p> <p class="p3"><strong>Chief Emeka Anyaoku GCON,GCVO,CFR</strong></p> <p class="p3"><strong>Lagos, 20 April 2024.</strong></p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">⁠Prof Ekanem Braide (President, Nigerian Academy of Science): Oratory on Professor B.Y. Abubakar OFR</h3> <img class="aligncenter wp-image-8093" src="https://hallmarksoflabour.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Prof-Ekanem-Braide-2-e1717517548288-300x169.jpeg" alt="" width="711" height="400" /> Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar is an accomplished scientist, teacher, administrator and specialist in quantitative genetics and animal breeding. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA. He began his working experience by joining the services of the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika-Zaria in 1978 as a Graduate Assistant and attained the rank of Professor of Animal Science 17 years later. During this period, he led the team of researchers that developed Shika Brown Poultry Layer Parent Stock, the first of its kind in Nigeria. His experience as an administrator is vast. Within a period of three years, Professor Abubakar served as Director, Finance & Supply, Family Economic Advancement Programme [FEAP]; Director, Public Service Office [PSO], Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation [OHCSF]; and Director, Policy Implementation & Monitoring, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation [OSGF]. In 2012, he became the pioneer Executive Secretary/CEO of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN). His two tenures witnessed the reform of the Agency culminating in a more effective ARCN. The reform included the reintegration of Nigeria into the global international agricultural research system, initiation and co-ordination of the establishment of a National Centre for Crop & Animal Improvement, professional capacity building for best practices and the introduction of a world-class periodic Journal of Applied Agricultural Research. Professor Abubakar has carried out several other local and international assignments as well as consultancy tasks at State, national and global levels. He served in the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Council representing Sub-Saharan Africa. He also served as Chairman, Governing Board of West African Council for Agricultural Research & Development. He was Liaison Officer, Centre for Agricultural Biosciences International; member, Governing Board of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa; and member, Expert Panel on Development of Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa. He is currently a Visiting Professor at the University of Abuja; member, Advisory Board, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Science prize; incumbent and first African to chair the Board of Trustees, International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management. It is my pleasure to present to you Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar for the Hallmarks of Labour Role Model Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Science.

<h3 style="text-align: center;">Prof Ishaq Oloyede (Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board): Oratory on Professor Jibrila Dahiru Amin, OFR</h3> <img class="aligncenter wp-image-8072" src="https://hallmarksoflabour.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Prof-Ishaq-Oloyede-e1717515812604.jpeg" alt="" width="710" height="400" /> In much of Africa, the trajectory of development is often slowed down by centrifugal forces. More often than not, primordial sentiments bordering on ethnicity, region and religion often becloud people’s sense of judgement. Rather than being dispassionate and objective at all times as desirable, political expediency and associated shenanigans often rob some of our countries of quality service that would have been rendered by competent and compassionate patriots. The history of university education in Nigeria started on a lofty note, where anyone of quality from anywhere could be a principal officer or Vice-Chancellor in any university in any part of the country. While an Igbo man was a Vice-Chancellor in the heart of Yorubaland in Ibadan, Western Nigeria, a Yorubaman was a Vice-Chancellor in Zauzau Emirate in Northern Nigeria and a Northerner was a Vice-Chancellor in Calabar in the South-South region of Nigeria. As a matter of fact, the greatness of the first generation universities in the past decades was predicated on this remarkable commitment to putting the right pegs in the right holes without any regard for face or place. It is a compelling truism that for Africa to reclaim her lost glory and for Nigeria to advance in her quest to close the developmental gap with the Western world, the paradigm must change and a new song must be sung as it happened in the career of a stellar son of Song, Prof. Jubrilla Dahiru Amin, Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), a man whose keen vision and purposeful mission have engendered positive change within the Nigerian university ecosystem and the public at large. Right from the beginning of his education, J. D. Amin has always shone line a star among his peers. A baobab in the academic forest and a lion in the intellectual jungle, his winning streak peaked when he graduated in 1982 as the best student in Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Based on his high overall performance, he earned the Federal Government Scholarship that allowed him to obtain his MSc at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London and a Commonwealth Scholarship for his PhD at the same University. By dint of hard work and tenacity, he would later win a Rockefeller Fellowship and become a Rockefeller Biotechnology Career Fellow. One of the finest contributions of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the Education sector, under the leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2003 was the appointment of the resourceful, vibrant and young Prof. J. D. Amin as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, the largest and foremost university in the North East. By proprietorship, the three classes of Universities in Nigeria are Federal, Sub-national (State) and Private. J. D. Amin transversed all the classes within the Nigeria University System, using appropriate policies and excellent performance to advocate positive change in the system and the society. Apart from Visitorship and Chancellorship, there is no other office available to an academic in a University system, that J. D. Amin has not held (in multiple times). A lecturer, an administrator, a scholar (both in and outside Nigeria), local, national and international resource person, resident and visiting Professorship, head of Department, Dean, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. As Vice-Chancellor at the prime age of 45, not only was his impact felt in Maiduguri, where the University grew qualitatively and quantitatively, the Amin effect reverberated across Nigeria and Africa at large. Apart from starting a Faculty of Medicine, additional programmes were equally created in the College of Medical Sciences and the Faculty of Science, he also enriched the Nigerian and global university system at large when he served as Secretary-General, then Chairman of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) and Board member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). Prof. Amin’s record as a visiting professor at the National Universities Commission (NUC) is also etched on the sands of time. The Committee that he chaired processed more than 100 applications for the establishment of private universities in Nigeria and some of the universities he processed are ranked among the best in Nigeria today. As a positive change agent, Prof. J. D. Amin has seen it all and impacted on every segment of the university system. He has been a consultant on university education to the Federal Government of Nigeria for decades and has served as a pioneer Board Member of both the College of Veterinary Surgeons of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) of the National Universities Commission (NUC). He has invested so much in the class room and the board room to catalyse national and human capacity development in Nigeria. He is certainly the man that the cap fits as the HLF Umaru Shehu Life-time Achievement Award Winner for Consistent Advocacy for Positive Change within the University System in Nigeria. Mr. Chairman and distinguished gentlemen, please join me to welcome our dear Professor and Vice-Chancellor Emeritus, J. D. Amin, as he steps forward to receive his flowers!