Stakeholders Tasked On Collective Responsibility

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Director General, Strategic Communication and Press Affairs, Nasarawa State, Yakubu Lamai, has called on Nigerians to embrace collective responsibility as a key ingredient for national growth and development.

Lamai, who represented the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, made the call in his keynote address at the Megastar Man of the Decade Awards 2025, held in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme “Social Responsibility: Building a Culture of Collective Accountability”, Lamai said the awards go beyond pageantry and aesthetics, noting that their essence lies in encouraging individuals and organizations who have remained consistent in doing good for society.

“The essence of the Megastar Man of the Year Award, culminating into 10 good years, is really to be the wind beneath your wings such that you can continue to soar. It is about encouraging those who are doing good and motivating all of us to do even better,” he said.

Lamai emphasized that leadership and citizenship must both be guided by shared values and personal accountability, citing Chinua Achebe’s The Trouble with Nigeria, which identified the failure of leadership by example as the country’s central problem.

He urged Nigerians to look inward and take responsibility for their actions, stressing that nation-building is not solely the duty of leaders.

“We often move away from collective responsibility. But for true progress, citizens, leaders, and stakeholders must share a pact of values that binds them together beyond religion, tribe, or ambition,” Lamai observed.

The organizer of the event, Dr. Adeniyi Ifetayo, explained that the Megastar Man of the Decade Awards were instituted to recognize individuals who have remained consistent and focused in their pursuits over the past ten years despite Nigeria’s challenging socio-economic environment.

“When we talk about Megastar man in the decade, we are looking at consistency and focus. It’s easy to start something and make noise for one year, but sustaining impact over ten years deserves recognition,” Ifetayo said.

He added that the awards spotlight achievers in five key sectors — governance, real estate, philanthropy, creative industry, and security — with the goal of inspiring younger generations to persevere and remain purpose-driven.

“We put this together to appreciate those who have been consistent despite an unfriendly environment. We want young people to see their pain, gains, and breakthroughs, and learn from them,” he explained.

Among the honorees was Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay Newspapers and Arise News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in African Media Excellence.

Receiving the award on his behalf, Director of News at Arise News,
Sumner Shagari Sambo, thanked Megastar Media for recognizing Obaigbena’s contribution to journalism and public service broadcasting.

“We are committed to delivering news in an unbiased manner, serving the people, and ensuring that citizens get accurate information that empowers them,” Sambo said.

The event, which featured musical performances and a panel discussion, also celebrated individuals in both public and private sectors for their contribution to national development and social impact.