The organisers of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) have announced the appointment of retired Supreme Court Justice and respected legal luminary, Justice Mary Ukaego Odili, as Chair of the NEAPS 2025 Advisory Committee. This was disclosed in a statement issued yesterday by the Founder of NEAPS, Ms. Mariam Mohammed.
Also appointed is Mr. Ako Abbah, Assistant Director in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), who will serve as Secretary of the Advisory Committee.
Other members of the committee include:
- Yemi Candide-Johnson (SAN), Senior Partner at Strachan Partners
- Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President
- Shaka Momodu, Editor, THISDAY Newspaper
- Stella Din Jacob, Director of News, TVC News
- Musikilu Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief, Premium Times
- Yemi Adebowale, Journalist/Columnist and Chairman/CEO, Storkgate and Associates
According to Ms. Mohammed, the 2025 Advisory Committee is composed of eminent professionals across sectors to uphold the values of merit, transparency, national relevance, and inclusiveness in the awards selection process. “Its role is instrumental in maintaining the prestige and credibility of the awards,” she said.
Now in its third year, NEAPS is a collaborative initiative between the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and The Best Strategic PR (TBS), a policy advisory and strategic communications firm. The annual event recognises individuals and institutions that have demonstrated exemplary service, innovation, and integrity in public service.
NEAPS also aims to promote a culture of accountability, inspire ethical leadership, and spotlight efforts that contribute meaningfully to national development. The awards are designed to encourage best practices in governance and restore public confidence in institutions.
The maiden NEAPS edition, held in October 2022, honoured 44 Nigerians and was presided over by then President Muhammadu Buhari. The 2024 edition celebrated 49 recipients, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu, who praised the initiative as a commendable benchmark for measuring public sector performance.
TBS, the implementing partner for NEAPS, remains committed to advancing Nigerian ideals and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals through strategic collaboration with governments, multinationals, NGOs, and the diplomatic corps.
