By Cross Udo, Abuja
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has said that the Borno South people are standing firm with the President and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
This is as the Borno South Stakeholders Forum has celebrated the Presidential aide for “his unique contributions to the unity, progress, and development of the region and Borno state in general.”
Bwala was among 16 other eminent sons and daughters of Borno South extraction, including Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai (retd), who were honoured by the Forum for their excellence in public and community service to the people.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu, who was the Special Guest of Honour but represented by his Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said, “I am glad to note that one of the recipients of this award tonight is Daniel Hasan Bwala, my special adviser on media and policy communications. He is like a son to me. His commitment to my administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is undoubtful.”
President Tinubu said Barrister Bwala’s and the other awardees’ outstanding recognition has set a benchmark for Southern Borno, the state, and Nigeria in general.
“Your unwavering dedication, perseverance, and excellence have brought us to this moment. It is an honour to stand with you as we recognise those whose tireless efforts have set a benchmark for southern Borno, Borno, and Nigeria in general.
“Each award presented tonight is more than just a symbol of success. It is a testament to the commitment of long hours on unwavering determination that pushed the recipients forward,” he noted.
The President also urged the organisers to recognise the communities and families that have supported and uplifted these extraordinary individuals.
Conferring the award to the Presidential spokesman, the organisers said, “The Borno State honour is in fitting recognition of Barrister Bwala’s outstanding brilliance. It is a recognition of his tireless efforts to be the best in whatever one chooses to do in life. It is a promotion of excellence and merit in Nigeria.”
According to the event convener Mallam Ishaya Malgwi, “By conferring this honour on Barrister Bwala, Borno South is celebrating not only his achievements but also the values of hard work, dedication, and excellence that he embodies.”
Dignitaries at the award ceremony included the Governor of Taraba State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Timothy Kataps, and the representative of the former Chief of Army Staff, General (retd), Theophilus Danjuma, among others.
Bwala was appointed president in November 2024 as presidential spokesman and is a lawyer and notable public affairs analyst.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the ceremony, honouree Bwala said he was excited and humbled by the recognition and award by stakeholders from his community.
According to the presidential aide, aside from his previous achievements, the current recognition is a testament to the fact that the people of Southern Borno believe in the Tinubu administration and its commitment to transforming Nigeria.
“I am confident that the people of Borno South are standing firm with President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda in an unwavering commitment to make a positive change in our dear country,” Bwala stressed.
Southern Borno, located in Borno State, Nigeria, is characterised by its unique geological formations and rich agricultural potential. The area comprises nine local government areas: Askira/Uba, Bayo, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, and Shani. It is home to diverse ethnic groups who collectively contribute to the people’s rich cultural heritage.
Other honourees include Hajiya Inna Marya Ciroma – former Minister of Women Affairs; Chief Anjikwi Ciwar – former Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria; Muktar Aliyu Betara- a member of the House of Representatives for Bayo, Biu, Kwaya Kusa, and Shani federal constituency, Dr Midala Usman Balami- Member, House of Representatives for Askira/Uba and Hawul, Chief Asta Paul Thahal, Hon Asabe Vilita-Bashir- Director General, Maryam Babangida Women Development Centre, Lucy Surhyel Newman- Consultant and Philanthropist, among others.
