A week after receiving the Engineering and Innovation Meritorious award at the Nigerian Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), the executive vice chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Royal African Young Leadership Award’ by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The award was presented at the 4th edition of the Royal African Young Leadership Forum held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Organised by the palace of the progenitor of the Yorubas, the event celebrates the achievements of outstanding young African leaders and their contributions to their communities and industries.
During the presentation, the Ooni commended Halilu’s exemplary leadership at NASENI, emphasising how his visionary and innovative approaches are propelling Nigeria towards becoming a technologically and industrially advanced nation. The Ooni noted that Halilu’s outstanding performance is a source of immense pride for the youth of Nigeria and is crucial for the country’s economic prosperity. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognising illustrious young Nigerians, mentioning other notable appointees such as the director-general of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim and the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom.
“These young men are part of the government of our dear country. I want to use this opportunity to celebrate you and appreciate the President for putting you into government, thereby making your individual contributions to the development of Nigeria,” the Ooni said.
Reacting to the award shortly after the presentation, the EVC of NASENI expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am honoured to receive this award from His Majesty, the Ooni. Previously, I admired the Royal African Young Leadership Forum Award on social media. Being acknowledged in this way underscores His Majesty’s commitment to recognising and celebrating the positive impact individuals make in their respective endeavors.”
Halilu further emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in driving technological innovation and industrial growth in Nigeria. He reiterated his commitment to continuing the work that NASENI is doing to advance the country’s technological infrastructure and enhance its global competitiveness.
The Royal African Young Leadership Forum is an annual event that brings together dynamic young leaders from various sectors to discuss and promote sustainable development in Africa. This year’s theme, “Africa of the Future: Better Together,” reflects the forum’s focus on unity and collective progress.
As Halilu continues to make an impact at NASENI, his recognition at the Royal African Young Leadership Forum underscored his commitment to Nigeria’s technological and industrial growth. His work greatly inspires the youth of Nigeria and contributes to the nation’s economic development.
A statement signed by the agency’s deputy director of information, Chima Akwaja noted that alongside Halilu, other notable Africans honoured include Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Charles O. Odii and along with several young entrepreneurs who were all selected from diverse backgrounds, were recognised for their significant contributions to their fields.
