Uzoka-Anite Wins Zik Award, Reaffirms Commitment to FG’s Reforms, Inclusive EconomyAliyu warns against one-party state

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has reaffirmed her commitment to building a fiscally strong, economically competitive, and socially inclusive Nigeria.
She also pledged to continue championing reforms that expand opportunities and strengthen the nation’s economic resilience.

Speaking in Abuja during the 6th Zik’s Awards Lecture, held as part of activities marking the 121st posthumous birthday of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, in Abuja on Sunday, Uzoka-Anite said she was deeply honored to receive the Zik Leadership Award, describing it as both a personal milestone and a solemn call to service.

“This recognition is not just a personal milestone for me; it is a reminder of the values that Zik embodied — courage, integrity, intellectual depth, and an unshakeable commitment to a unified, prosperous Nigeria,” she added.

“I accept this award with profound humility, mindful that leadership is ultimately about service — service to the nation, to the people, and to future generations.

“Whatever contributions I may have made were possible because of the collective efforts of colleagues, institutions, and partners who share the conviction that Nigeria can and must rise to its full potential,” she said further.

The minister said the honor has strengthened her resolve to sustain reforms that promote fiscal sustainability and inclusive growth, adding that she continues to draw inspiration from Zik’s enduring belief in the Nigerian project.

“As we strive to entrench reforms, expand opportunities, and build a resilient economy, I draw inspiration from Zik’s belief that progress is not a distant dream but a responsibility,” Uzoka-Anite said.
“I dedicate this award to all Nigerians who work every day with hope, resilience, and faith to build a better country.”

Also speaking at the event, former Niger State governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, warned that Nigeria would “pay dearly” if it drifts into a one-party state, stressing that political plurality remains vital for democratic survival and national stability.

Aliyu said his late arrival at the event was due to travel constraints, explaining that he had been in Ibadan the previous day “against all odds” to help “strengthen the vehicle” offering Nigerians an alternative political platform.

“If we make the mistake of creating a one-party state in Nigeria, we will pay dearly for it,” he cautioned. “It is good that we give people an alternative voice. But that does not mean that if people choose to go one way, we must rebel.”

He decried the culture of political defections, accusing some governors of abandoning their parties “by bribe or intimidation,” contrary to constitutional provisions.

Aliyu likened recent internal reforms within his party to a surgical operation, saying, “We examined what had been happening in our party and, like surgeons, we removed the cancer that had crippled it. We hope that with the removal of that blockage, the party can now move forward and give Nigerians a genuine choice.”

Reflecting on Azikiwe’s legacy, the former governor described the late statesman as a “pragmatic nation-builder” whose ideals of unity and service should guide future generations.

“Zik was a Nigerian before Nigeria gained independence. He stood at the forefront of our struggle and made compromises to ensure the country survived,” he said.

Aliyu urged Nigerians to remain patriotic despite the nation’s current challenges. “We did not choose to be born here, but God chose this land for us. Therefore, we must love and build it,” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, Director-General of the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture, Chief Chineme Onyeke, appealed to the federal government to allocate land in Abuja for a proposed national legacy project in honor of the late nationalist.

He said Africa was at “a defining moment,” and Nigeria must take the lead in championing continental integration, peace, and development.

“We appeal to the federal government, through the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, to graciously support this vision by allocating land for this national legacy project,” Onyeke said.

He also announced plans for a Zik Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, to be hosted in partnership with Nigerian universities, especially the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, alongside the establishment of a Zik Centre for Leadership and African Studies in Abuja — envisioned as a hub for research, dialogue, and the preservation of Azikiwe’s legacy.

The annual Zik’s Awards Lecture celebrates the life and ideals of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe — the Zik of Africa — whose contributions to Nigeria’s independence and postcolonial leadership remain foundational to the nation’s democratic identity.

This year’s edition brought together political leaders, academics, traditional rulers, and thought leaders to reflect on the values of patriotism, unity, and visionary leadership that defined Azikiwe’s legacy.