Stand up to be counted, Tinubu charges leaders

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked leaders in the country to stand up and be counted through their performance in public service.

This was as he also called for consequences for those that fail accountability test in the civil service, warning that failure to enforce rules breeds cynicism among the public.

President Tinubu spoke at the third Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS 2025) which held at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Sunday night.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the president said there was the need for integrity among public servants.

According to him, the award is not only a validation for a job well done, but also a “motivation to continue doing more towards the attainment of a better Nigeria in all sectors of economy.”

He cautioned against unsystematic enforcement of law and institutional mechanisms for holding civil servants and public officials accountable of their actions, saying the development will always lead to a negative impression to the citizens.

“I wish that leaders will arise and stand up to be counted among leaders who have distinguished themselves to do the right thing and leave their footprints on the sands of time.

“Public Service is a public trust where Officers and even employees must be accountable to the people whom they should serve at all times with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency. They are expected to act with patriotism and think out of the box in order to solve the many problems facing the people which they lead,” he said.

In her remarks, NEAPS 2025 Advisory Committee Chairperson, retired Justice Mary Odili, called for targets for public office holds, explaining that “even partial achievement yields progress toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030”.

She also said Nigeria must harness its entrepreneurial spirit and work collectively for national development and progress.

The awards was organised by The Best Strategic Media in collaboration with the office of the SGF.

Among some of the winners were the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, SGF – George Akume, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal among others.

Akume was recognised for Excellence in Bureaucratic Leadership and National Coordination, 2025. Wike won Excellence in Transformative City Development, 2025, for FCT infrastructure drives.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri received the Excellence in Infrastructure and Urban Development, 2025, award for his commitment to infrastructural progress. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed was honoured with Excellence in Governance and Regional Growth, 2025, acknowledging his effective leadership in regional development. Zamfara State Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal earned Excellence in Governance and Security Reform, 2025, highlighting his efforts in enhancing security in his state.

The Governor of Kano State was presented with the Excellence in Visionary Leadership and Public Sector Reform, 2025, award for his forward-looking governance reforms, among others.

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