Bayelsa gov-elect named ‘Man of the Year’

TheNigerian News, an online platform, has named David Lyon, governor-elect of Bayelsa, as “Man of the Year”.

According to the platform, Lyon was considered as a result of his historic victory in the November governorship election.

The news platform said Lyon will be awarded at the third anniversary and book launch by Philip Agbese, its publisher, in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Against all odds, Mr Lyon of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was overwhelmingly elected to govern the oil-rich state, breaking the power of incumbency and ending the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) two-decade-long hegemony in last month’s polls,” The NigerianNews said in a statement.”

On the choice of the 48-year-old Southern Ijaw native for its most-coveted recognition, the organisation said “ like morning dew, he rose from political oblivion as an underdog to defeat two serving senators in a fair and transparent election to emerge as Governor-elect of Bayelsa State.”

The statement added that “his soft-spoken mien and humility saw him defeat vote-buying, thuggery and manipulations to win the heart of Bayelsans thus proving that power belongs to the people.”

Here’s a rundown of other award recipients:

Udom Emmanuel, award for Infrastructure Star of the Year

Hadiza Bala Usman, award for Role Model of the Year

TY Buratai, award for Most Outstanding Legend of the Year

Mojisola Adeyeye, award for Public Order Personality of the Year

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, award for Politician of the Year

Muhammadu M Abdallah (rtd), award for Change Agent of the Year

feanyi Ugwuanyi, award for Education and Worker Welfare Star of the Year

Godwin Obaseki, award for Fiscal Policy and Transparency Star

Ibukun Awosika, award for Woman of the Year

Umar Garba Danbatta, award for Most Valuable CEO of the Year

Abubakar Tsav, award for Activist of the Year

Ahmad Fintiri, award for Grassroots Democracy Development Governor of the Year

David Umahi, award for Nationalist of the Year

Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, award for Human Capital Development Star

Bello Muhammed Matawalle, award for Pillar of Security Vanguards

David Lyon, award for Man of the Year

OFAB Foundation, award for Most-Outstanding Pan-African Group in the Diaspora

Nuruddeen Rafinddadi, award for Social Service Icon of the Year

The book titled, “Integrity Vs Power Play: Understanding the Buhari Phenomenon”, captures the first-term administration of Buhari and many of his “giant exploits” as a five-star democrat.

The event is billed to hold on Monday 30th December at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja.