By Gloria Okezie-Okafor
It was all pink at the Mimaya Event Centre in Oregun Lagos recently where notable individuals across professions were honoured with awards for their contributions in their respective fields as well as the positive contribution it brought to the society.
Notable among them were: the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, who barged the Governor of the year 2017 recognition; Ruth Kadri, Nollywood actress, and Charity Bassey, the remarkable Nigerian lady who picked $6000 in cash in one of the rest rooms at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos.
The event which was the second of its kind since inception, was hosted by the La Veronica Magazine, and doubles as a launch ceremony for the magazine’s 6th edition. The promoter of the event, Joe Obiajulu Okei–Odumakin, president of The Rights Groups Women Arise for Change Initiative and Campaign Democracy, speaking on the essence of the event, says it was in honour of well serving individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields of endeavors.
In her words: ”PINK AWARDS is unique in that it recognizes people who are making a difference in their contributions to humanity. And by so doing inspire others to strive to become exceptional as well. Take for instance the young lady who picked up $6000 misplace by a customer at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos. Those are the kind of things we expect in this country. And this is what PINK Awards stands for: Prestige, Innovation, Noble, and Knowledgeable.”
Delectable actress, Ruth Kadri had expressed gratitude to the organizers of the award, and offered her deepest gratitude to God, whom –she says –is largely behind her success. She was equally appreciative of her family whose support for her career had pushed her to enviable heights.
To hand the award for Integrity to the lady whose uncommon character made so much impact in the social sphere sometime this year for being exceptional, was the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun. The recipient of the award, Charity Bassey of Lakewood Company, an arm of the International Airport, was that exceptional cleaner who had picked the cash carelessly dropped by a customer who used the toilet facility.
Mrs. Amosun who was elated to be handing the award, also presented a cheque of #50 000 to Miss Bassey. According to her: ”at such a time when many would quietly tuck away the money for personal gains, Charity did the impressionable. It shows that we still have people of high integrity in this country. What Charity have done is hope for our future. This token is just a way of saying we appreciate people like you”.
Mrs. Amosun and the deputy governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, both represented the Governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who was honoured with the Outstanding Governor of the year 2017. Presenting the award was Joe Odumakin. The international award winning human right activist and women crusader, says the Ogun State Governor had shown exceptionality in his discharge of duties, portraying him as a Governor with vision for the well meaning of his people.
The event was spiced with musical performance by star kid artist, Ozzy Bosco. Newest Afro Pop singer, Don Leo also performed. And there were light comedies from Mc Dara Dee, Chincocfr, and Open Teeth. Mofe Duncan and Kehinde Bankole were the delectable anchors who kept the occasion lively. Other star guests include Ali Baba, and Christian Paul.
Not left out of the event were CMC gladiators of repute led by the charismatic a Cornel Udofia. Also, the brand personae, and CEO of my beautiful Africa and ICE Magazine, Clara Okoro, equally graced the event.