Adebanji David Jimoh, the Regional Director of Access Bank Plc honors as the Banker of the Year in 2024 by Democracy Newsline Newspaper.
The award was presented at a well-attended public lecture and award ceremony on October 9, 2024, at the Banquet Hall of the Merit House in Maitama, Abuja.
This event marked the fourteenth anniversary of the media outlet and also commemorated the sixty-fourth anniversary of Nigeria’s Political Independence.
Chief Olugbemi Femi, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Michabifem Ventures Limited, the publisher of Democracy Newsline/blog, emphasized the significance of recognizing and appreciating individuals and organizations who have excelled in their respective fields of endeavors. He called on President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and other leaders to provide responsible and responsive governance to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
During the event, Dr. Tunde Arosoyin, the National Coordinator of Zero Hunger Nigeria, highlighted the critical role that social media can play in the development of the agriculture sector. He stressed the importance of mechanized farming to address hunger challenges in Africa and advocated for using social media to disseminate information that can boost food supply chains on the continent.
Comrade Bala Ibrahim, in his presentation on “Nigeria and the personal perspective in politics,” quoted W.H. Auden, a British-American poet, and emphasized the public’s tendency to view the actions of leaders with suspicion, whether they are good or bad. He urged influential figures to be exceptionally careful to maintain public trust and confidence.
Elder Adebanji Jimoh, in his goodwill message, appreciated the initiative to recognize individuals and corporate organizations who have distinguished themselves. He also emphasized the need for Nigerians to return to farming to address hunger and called for improved security of lives and properties to make farmlands safer.
Other recipients of special recognition awards included H.E. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, Niger State Governor, HE Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, First Lady of Taraba State, the Honourable Minister for Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Senator Sunday Karimi, and several other prominent figures.